Leading scientists, physicians, and experts on cancer care are meeting in Abuja to enhance public awareness and advance research on the scourge.
The National Institute for Research and Treatment, NICRAT, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is proving a peer review session at the International Cancer Week in Abuja.
Themed: “Accelerating Nigeria’s Path to Comprehensive Cancer Control: Innovation, Access, and Partnership,” the event brought together leading health experts, policymakers, and advocates to advance Nigeria’s fight against cancer.
The Director General of NICRAT, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu highlighted the institute’s collaborative efforts with both local and global partners, building on recent engagements with the World Health Organization and other international bodies, noting that the partnerships are critical in advancing cancer research, treatment accessibility, and awareness in Nigeria.
“Our collaborations are a testament to the shared global commitment to reducing the cancer burden. By working together with esteemed partners, we are able to leverage expertise, share resources, and implement solutions that will make a lasting impact on cancer care in Nigeria,” he stated.
At a scientific session featuring five experts from various institutions, Dr. Ola Akanmu from the University of Ibadan spoke on alarming statistics of cervical cancer, which ranks as the fourth most common cancer globally and the second leading cause of cancer mortality among women in Nigeria.
He estimate the incidence rate of 250 cases per 100,000 women and emphasized that late detection significantly contributes to increasing mortality rates.
Dr. Akanmu also pointed out that while specific genetic alterations have been identified as biomarkers, their implications in Nigerian patients remain undetermined.
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Seun E. Olufemi of the Cancer Health Initiative, Ogbomosho shared some proactive measures, which include awareness campaigns in secondary schools and outreach programs targeting prostate and breast cancer.
He stated: “We’ve engaged stakeholders and organized awareness walks, reaching underserved communities through both physical and digital campaigns.” This initiative has proven effective in significantly boosting cancer awareness.
Nurse Asufi Joyce, a nurse at the Oncology Clinic in University of Jos Teaching Hospital, JUTH, presented sobering statistics, disclosing that in 2022 alone, there were 666,000 new cancer cases and 350,000 deaths in Nigeria. She highlighted the critical role of chemotherapy in managing advanced cervical cancer and noted that many patients fail to complete their treatment, jeopardizing their health outcomes.
Through a research involving 110 patients at JUTH, she identified key determinants for treatment completion, including occupation, education level, and financial factors. She also mentioned that emotional distress and inadequate communication from healthcare providers could deter patients from adhering to their treatment plans.
Highlighting the plight of patients, P.O. Afelami from Nuclear Medicine department, University of Ibadan, urged the government to make chemotherapy treatment affordable and noted that a single session coats as much as N45,000 besides cost of additional expenses like blood transfusions
In a bid to bolster cancer control efforts, Prof. Usman Mallami Aliyu launched three crucial documents outlining priority areas for governance, prevention, and research in cancer management, reinforcing the importance of a collaborative approach in combating this pressing health issue.
This week-long event aims to empower stakeholders and mobilize efforts toward a unified response to the growing cancer challenge in Nigeria.
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