Cancer Society Reaffirms Support For Survivors, Engages Patients In Rivers

The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving survivorship support for cancer patients nationwide, while unveiling fresh initiatives to strengthen advocacy and care.

As part of his ongoing nationwide engagement with survivors, NCS President Professor Abidemi Omonisi made this known during an interactive session with cancer survivors in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He urged the federal government, the private sector, and international partners to support the Society’s efforts in addressing the rising cost and scarcity of essential cancer drugs, a challenge worsened by the withdrawal of several pharmaceutical companies from Nigeria.

Highlighting key initiatives under his leadership, Omonisi announced the establishment of a Survivorship Committee to address post-treatment needs and influence policy, representation of survivors at all levels of NCS governance, stressing that “no decision should be made without involving cancer survivors.”

The launch of the Nigerian Coalition for Cancer Survivors (NCCS), a platform to protect the rights and welfare of survivors nationwide, and the creation of the National Cancer Intervention Fund (NCS-NCIF) Governing Council, with a target of raising ₦100 billion to support cancer care nationwide.

He explained that the council will be chaired by Dr Gafar Alawode, a public health physician and health finance expert, and will include two cancer survivors.

Encouraging participants, Prof. Omonisi said: “In the NCS, we have survivors who have lived 20, 25, even 28 years post-diagnosis and are still going strong. Death is far away from you. Keep hope alive. We will not abandon you.”

The Port Harcourt event was attended by cancer survivors and advocates, including the Chairman of NCS Lagos, Princess Tinu Lawal, and the founder of Atinuke Cancer Foundation, Dr Peace Ogaranya. The President of the Youth arm of NCS (YOCAC), Ethel Olomu, founder of Engraved Life Foundation, and cancer advocate Funmi Ojo also attended.

Survivors at the forum expressed gratitude for the NCS president’s compassionate leadership but raised concerns about gaps in cancer care in the State. These include the absence of radiotherapy services, lack of immunohistochemistry facilities, delays caused by having only one radiation and clinical oncologist in the state, and non-access to the National Cancer Health Fund (NCHF).

They also lamented the high cost of medications, which often leads to treatment abandonment.

Princess Lawal, who shared her journey as a survivor, encouraged participants to remain resilient and advocate for better cancer care in Nigeria.