Equitable Medicaid Rallies Stakeholders On Cancer Awareness, Early Detection

Equitable Medicaid and Clinical Research has called for increased awareness, early detection and equitable access to treatment, as the organisation led an outreach campaign in commemoration of World Cancer Day, highlighting the rising burden of the disease in Nigeria.

The founder of the organisation, Joy Ojochogwu Efubi, said the awareness drive was necessitated by the growing number of cancer-related deaths in communities, noting that ignorance and late diagnosis remain major challenges in the fight against the disease.

Efubi, who spoke during the community outreach organised to mark the global event, lamented that many Nigerians still perceive cancer as a disease limited to wealthy individuals, a misconception she said contributes to delayed medical attention.

“We are out here this morning to create awareness about cancer. Rapidly these days, cancer is consuming the community and unfortunately most people are not even aware of it. The earlier you detect it, the earlier you get treatment and it is preventable,” she said.

She disclosed that the organisation decided to engage directly with community members to educate them on the importance of screening and early detection, citing recent deaths linked to late diagnosis as evidence of the urgency required in addressing the disease.

“This week alone, I had two people that died of breast cancer, which early detection would have saved their lives. Today, they are burying one of them, a mother of two whose first child is just six years old.

With awareness, there will be a reduction in the death rates we are having in the community,” Efubi added.

Representing the Minister of Women Affairs at the event, the Director of Legal Services overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary described cancer as a major health challenge, particularly among women, stressing the need for institutional and collaborative support.

In a speech delivered on behalf of the minister, the ministry commended Equitable Medicare and Clinical Research for its interventions in rural and underserved communities, noting that such efforts help bridge healthcare inequalities.

“Cancer does not discriminate. It touches lives across all demographics. However, women often face additional barriers in accessing timely diagnosis and treatment. This underscores the importance of institutional support that ensures women receive the care they need without stigma or hesitation,” the statement read.

The ministry also highlighted the global and national burden of the disease, citing World Health Organisation statistics indicating that cancer accounted for approximately 10 million deaths globally in 2020, with Africa recording about 1.1 million deaths within the same period. In Nigeria, the disease is estimated to cause about 72,000 deaths annually, with breast, cervical and prostate cancers among the most prevalent.

Also speaking, German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annelte Gunther, emphasised the importance of partnerships between governments, development partners and communities in addressing the cancer burden.

According to her, strengthening health systems and investing in research and prevention strategies remain critical in reducing cancer-related deaths.

“Cancer is preventable through early detection and healthy lifestyles. Investment in research and health systems is important, but also a societal approach where everyone has access to care without stigma or isolation,” Gunther said.

She added that the German government continues to support international health initiatives, including maternal and reproductive healthcare programmes in Nigeria, which contribute to broader disease prevention and health education.

World Cancer Day is observed annually on February 4 to raise awareness about cancer prevention, detection and treatment, while mobilising global support for individuals affected by the disease. The 2026 theme, “United by Unique,” underscores the importance of personalised and inclusive approaches to cancer care.

Stakeholders at the event urged Nigerians to prioritise regular screening, adopt healthy lifestyles, and seek professional medical support early, stressing that collaborative efforts remain vital in reducing the country’s cancer burden.