Group Lauds Govt, Stakeholders Over Efforts At Reducing Cancer Burden

The leadership of Civil Society for Cancer Eradication in Nigeria (CiSCANEN) has commended key government and institutional stakeholders for their sustained efforts to reduce the burden of cancer in Nigeria.

In a message to commemorate World Cancer Day, which was made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday, the group called for strengthened mechanisms to improve access to affordable cancer treatment for indigent Nigerians.

Speaking on the significance of the day, the national coordinator of CiSCANEN, Dr Adenike Adegoke-Elijah, expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), and the Nigerian Cancer Society for their leadership and collaborative roles in advancing cancer prevention, early detection, and coordinated care in the country.

According to her, the Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme, driven by the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with partners, represents a significant milestone in protecting Nigerian women and girls from one of the most preventable cancers through HPV vaccination, screening, and early treatment interventions.

She noted that the programme aligns Nigeria with global targets aimed at eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem.

Dr. Adegoke-Elijah also highlighted the recent inauguration of the National Initiative for Cancer Early Detection, Screening and Coordinated Access to Networked Care, describing it as a landmark development under the leadership of NICRAT.

She explained that the initiative is expected to strengthen early diagnosis, improve referral pathways, and promote continuity of care across the country, thereby reducing late-stage presentation and improving cancer survival outcomes.

“These initiatives reflect growing political will and institutional commitment to addressing cancer in Nigeria,” she said. “If effectively implemented and sustained, they hold great promise for improving cancer outcomes nationwide.”

While commending these achievements, the CiSCANEN national coordinator drew attention to the persistent challenge of access to cancer treatment for indigent Nigerians.

She noted that the high cost of diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and supportive care continues to place an overwhelming financial burden on patients and families.

In this regard, she acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian Cancer Society in championing the establishment of a National Cancer Intervention Fund, aimed at providing financial support for indigent cancer patients.

She described the initiative as timely and laudable, and one that deserves broad-based support from government, the private sector, development partners, and philanthropic organisations.

“Such a fund, if adequately supported and sustainably managed, has the potential to significantly reduce treatment abandonment and prevent avoidable cancer-related deaths among vulnerable populations,” she stated.

Dr. Adegoke-Elijah further called for complementary measures, including expanded health insurance coverage, targeted treatment subsidies, and innovative public–private partnerships, to ensure that progress in prevention and early detection is matched with equitable access to affordable treatment.