Cancer Day 2026: Experts highlight cancer burden in Nigeria as FG expands support for patients

World Cancer Day is observed annually on February 4 to raise awareness and promote proactive efforts toward the prevention, early detection, and effective treatment of cancer.

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow and multiply uncontrollably in a specific part of the body. These cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissues and organs, making cancer one of the leading causes of death globally.

The theme for this year’s observance, “United by Unique,” underscores the importance of personalised, patient-centred care in the fight against cancer.

It also highlights the need to tailor treatment approaches to the unique medical and social needs of each patient.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million cancer-related deaths worldwide in 2022, with projections indicating that the figure could rise to 35 million cases by 2050.

In Nigeria, data from the National Cancer Control Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) show that about 124,815 Nigerians are diagnosed with cancer annually, while more than 78,000 die each year, largely due to limited access to care and affordability challenges.

Caregivers estimate that a cancer patient may require between ₦10 million and ₦30 million to achieve what is medically considered a cure, defined as up to five years of good quality of life after treatment. However, many Nigerians are unable to afford such costs.

To address this challenge, the Federal Government in July 2023, established the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) to strengthen cancer control and advance oncology services nationwide.

The Director-General of NICRAT, Professor Usman Aliyu, explained that the government also introduced the National Cancer Health Fund, involving six cancer centres across the country, to support indigent cancer patients.

Professor Aliyu noted that the fund, currently in its pilot phase, covers breast, cervical, and prostate cancers, with 450 newly diagnosed patients already enrolled.

“If you meet the requirements to enrol in the health fund, your oncologist will assist you with the application. It is free and online. You simply log on and register as a patient,” he said.

Professor Aliyu added that efforts are ongoing to train over 3,000 oncology specialists, improve access to diagnostic tools, increase funding, and establish additional screening centres across the country.

“We have increased the number of specialists attending to cancer patients and expanded treatment and diagnostic facilities. This has significantly improved access,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr. Nande Ishaya of the Department of Prevention and Control at NICRAT explained that many cancer patients in Nigeria could have survived if they had presented early for treatment.

“There are cases where the lesion can be treated early or affected organs removed. When patients present late, treatment options become limited, even though chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy exist for some cancers,” she explained.

The immediate past President of the Nigeria Cancer Society (NCS), Dr. Adamu Alhassan, acknowledged improvements in cancer awareness and equipment availability, adding that breast, cervical, and prostate cancers are fully covered under the National Cancer Health Fund, which is currently being rebranded.

A stage four cancer survivor, Ms. Chioma Ikejiani, also shared her experience, praising the Federal Government for the cancer health fund, which supported her treatment.

“If you notice something wrong with your body and keep quiet, you are giving yourself a death sentence. I was diagnosed in my fifties, and I survived stage four cancer. I thank the Federal Government for being proactive,” she said.

Ms. Ikejiani advised cancer patients to adopt healthier lifestyles, remain focused, and stay positive throughout their treatment journey.