Childhood Cancer: NCS Calls For Early Diagnosis, Equitable Access To Care

The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has called for stronger efforts to improve early diagnosis, access to specialised treatment and long-term support for children living with cancer.

It warned that delays in diagnosis and limited access to quality care could worsen outcomes.

NCS, in a statement to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, said every child diagnosed with cancer should have access to timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, psychosocial support and quality cancer care, irrespective of location or socioeconomic circumstances.

The president and chief executive officer of NCS, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, said childhood cancer remained an important component of Nigeria’s national cancer-control agenda, requiring coordinated action from government, healthcare professionals, researchers, civil society organisations, development partners and communities.

He said the childhood cancer places significant emotional, social and financial burdens on affected families, while inadequate specialised services and delays in accessing appropriate care continue to pose challenges.

NCS said it was advocating policies and programmes that would strengthen cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, palliative care and survivorship, while supporting the implementation of the Nigeria National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) 2026–2030.

The Society called for sustainable financing, improved cancer infrastructure, adequate numbers of trained healthcare professionals, access to essential medicines and diagnostic services, as well as stronger referral systems to improve childhood cancer outcomes.

It also emphasised the importance of early recognition and prompt referral, urging families, communities and healthcare workers to pay attention to possible warning signs and seek appropriate medical attention without delay.

NCS said it was using public education campaigns, webinars, community engagement and other awareness initiatives to improve cancer literacy and promote early detection.

The Society further called for increased research into childhood cancers in Nigeria, saying locally generated evidence was necessary to better understand the pattern of the disease, strengthen diagnostic capacity and develop interventions suited to the needs of Nigerian children and their families.

It said tackling childhood cancer required stronger collaboration among healthcare institutions, universities, research organisations, government agencies, professional associations, civil society organisations and international partners.

NCS also stressed that cancer care should extend beyond treatment, noting that survivors may require long-term medical, psychosocial and educational support, while parents and caregivers often need emotional support and assistance navigating the healthcare system.

The Society said survivorship should therefore remain an integral part of comprehensive cancer control, with greater attention to rehabilitation, quality of life and the long-term needs of survivors.

As part of activities marking the awareness month, NCS said childhood cancer-focused organisations that are members of the Society would undertake initiatives including the Gold Balloon Campaign, children’s art exhibition, awareness webinar and lecture, blood donation drive and childhood cancer awareness walkathon.

It said the activities were intended to amplify the voices of children living with cancer, celebrate survivors, support affected families and draw greater attention to the need for timely and quality childhood cancer services.

NCS urged Nigerians and organisations to participate in the awareness activities by wearing gold, supporting the Gold Balloon Campaign, donating blood, joining awareness conversations and advocating improved childhood cancer services.

The Society said a whole-of-society approach was necessary to ensure that children with cancer were not left behind as Nigeria strengthens its broader cancer-control response.

“Every child deserves access to the care they need. Every family deserves hope and support. Every survivor deserves the opportunity to live, grow and thrive,” the Society said.

It reaffirmed its commitment to working with cancer organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen cancer awareness, advocacy, research, prevention, early detection, treatment, survivorship and access to quality cancer care across Nigeria.