Zamfara To Strengthen Cancer Prevention

Zamfara State Ministry of Health has inaugurated a Cancer Initiative Committee to strengthen cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and care across the state.

The commissioner for Health, Dr Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, inaugurated the committee during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Polio Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Gusau, yesterday.

Maradun, who was represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Alh. Rilwanu Musa Zurmi, called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, health workers, non-governmental organisations, development partners, researchers and cancer patient groups to address the growing burden of cancer.

She identified low public awareness as a major challenge, noting that many people lack information about cancer symptoms, where to seek help and available treatment options.

The Commissioner called for cancer education materials to be translated into Hausa to improve public understanding, particularly in rural communities.

She also urged stakeholders to support cancer services, expand community-based screening and intensify awareness campaigns in schools, markets, mosques, churches and rural communities.

Maradun said the committee would assess the state’s cancer situation, identify priorities and develop practical strategies for prevention, early detection, treatment and patient care.

The inauguration comes at a time when Nigeria is facing a heavy cancer burden. According to GLOBOCAN 2024, Nigeria recorded 152,261 new cancer cases and 90,795 deaths in the year, with 292,934 persons living with cancer within five years of diagnosis.

In Zamfara, the burden is most visible in breast cancer. A 10-year study covering 2012 to 2021 at the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, General Hospital, Gusau, and Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau, found that breast cancer prevalence was highest among women aged 50 to 59, while incidence was very low in women under 30 but increased sharply with age.

The study also warned that most cases in Zamfara are detected at an advanced stage due to lack of awareness, and that cancer infrastructure in the state remains limited, with many women unable to access affordable treatment.

The Chairman of the committee and Director of Public Health, Dr. Yusuf Abubakar Haske, said its mandate was to reduce cancer-related illness and deaths through prevention, early diagnosis, timely treatment, palliative care and improved access to quality services.

He said the committee would also strengthen the capacity of health workers in cancer screening, diagnosis, referral and treatment, while promoting partnerships and community participation.

Dr. Haske encouraged stakeholders to explore opportunities under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to make cancer treatment more affordable and reduce the financial burden on patients and their families.

He stressed the need for sustainable programmes and coordinated efforts to improve access to cancer prevention and care across the state.

The committee is building on ongoing interventions in the state, including free breast cancer screenings, awareness campaigns and the full sponsorship of surgeries for over 100 cancer patients.

The wife of the Governor, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, who is the National Secretary of the First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC) initiative, has consistently maintained that early detection is the most effective way to treat and reduce the impact of cancer among women.

The inauguration marks a step towards a coordinated state response to cancer through public awareness, stronger partnerships and improved healthcare services.