The Association of Radiation Oncologists of Nigeria (ARCON) has called on the federal government to establish more cancer treatment centres across the country to curb the growing prevalence of the disease.
President of ARCON, Dr Nwamaka Lasebikan, made the appeal at the opening ceremony of the association’s 8th Annual Scientific Conference and General Meeting, held in Port Harcourt yesterday.
The conference, themed, “Innovating Through Collaboration: Cultivating a Resilient Nigerian Oncology Ecosystem”, brought together medical experts, cancer survivors, and advocates.
Lasebikan said the establishment of additional centres would improve access to care and assist in reducing rising number of cancer cases and related deaths in Nigeria.
“We must rethink cancer in Nigeria. Our goal is to build a resilient, inclusive, and people-focused oncology ecosystem,” she said.
She also urged increased government funding to strengthen the Cancer Health Fund (CHF), which currently provided support for breast, cervical, and prostrate cancers.
According to her, the programme lacks both consistency and adequate coverage to meet patients’ needs.
“Government must re-engineer the funding model and invest in hospitals where cancer is treated, so patients can access care without financial distress. Cancer treatment is expensive globally, and Nigeria must do more to support patients,’” she stressed.
The ARCON president further called for the integration of science, policy, economics, and enterprise to achieve sustainable outcomes in the fight against cancer.
She added that government should listen to survivors and those who advocated greater attention to post-treatment care and mental health support.
She urged the government to establish regulatory platforms and increase funding to expand access to subsidised treatment.
