World Cancer Day is observed every 4th of February to enhance awareness while advocating proactive measures to prevent, detect and treat the disease.
Cancer is a condition where cells in a specific part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably.
It is one of the leading causes of death as the uncontrolled cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including the organs.
The theme for this year’s celebration, United by Unique, defines the crucial role of personalized patient centered care in the fight against cancer and highlights the importance of adapting cancer treatments to cater the unique needs of each individual.
Reports from the World Health Organization says globally, there are estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths in 2022 which will reach 35 million by 2050, while figures from the National Cancer Control Program of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment show that about 124,815 Nigerians are diagnosed with cancer yearly, but due to lack of adequate care and affordability, over 78,000 die every year.
Caregivers estimated that an individual may require between 10 million to 30 million naira to achieve a cure which is defined as up to five years of good quality quality of life post treatment.
However, not many are able to afford that luxury in the country.
To this end, the Federal Government in July 2023 established the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, NICRAT to combat Cancer and advance Oncology.
The Director General of NICRAT, Prof. Usman Aliyu, explained that the federal government had established the Cancer Health Fund, which involves six cancer centers across the country, to assist indigent cancer patients with treatment course.
Professor Aliyu further mentioned that the fund currently on the pilot phase caters to breast, cervical and prostate cancer, with 450 new cancer patients enrolled into the program.
“If you fulfill the requirements to enroll into that health fund, the Oncologist will assist you in the application of the fund. It is free, it is online. You will just log to www.nchf.com and it will appear. Then you can click and register as a patient”
Professor Aliyu stated that efforts were run to train over 3,000 oncologists and improve access to diagnostic tools as well as increase funding and establish more screening sites.
“We have increased the number of specialists that will attend to the cancer patients that we have. We also increased the number of treatment and diagnostic facilities. So we have improved access.”
Dr. Nande Ishaya from the Department of Prevention and Control, NICRAD, said many cancer patients in the country could have survived, but they often present late to the hospital for treatment.
“There are some that you just treat that particular lesion. Some that you can take out the uterus with the cervix because that is where the problem is. Then when it is late, you can’t do much. There’s chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy for some cancers.”
On his part, the immediate past president of Nigeria Cancer Society, NCS, Dr. Adamu Alhassan acknowledged the presence of more more equipment and awareness on the disease compared to before, adding that breast cervical and prostrate were fully covered under the National Cancer Health Fund that is getting rebranded.
A stage 4 cancer survivor, Ms. Chioma Ikejiani, who narrated her ordeal, lauded the federal government for creating the cancer health fund which had assisted her in the treatment.
“If you notice that something is wrong with your body and you keep quiet, you are giving yourself a death sentence. In my fifties, when I was diagnosed, I was in shock and I survived. I was a stage 4 and I was able to beat this. All thanks to the federal government for being proactive.”
Ms Ikejiani advised cancer patients to live healthier lives, remain focused and stay positive.
