World Cancer Day: Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Increased Screening and Awareness in Nigeria
On World Cancer Day, February 4, 2025, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu urged Nigerians to prioritise health, emphasising the importance of awareness, early detection, and equitable access to cancer treatment. She highlighted the theme “United by Unique,” which calls for personalised cancer care tailored to the individual needs of patients. Tinubu emphasised the need for proactive measures, including regular screenings, to improve survival rates and reduce cancer’s impact, and she reaffirmed her commitment to initiatives that support awareness and accessible treatment. Read More
Athena Commentary: Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s call for prioritising early detection, personalised treatment, and equitable access to cancer care is crucial in addressing Nigeria’s rising cancer burden, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive health strategies. In developed countries, widespread cancer screening programmes and advanced personalised treatments have significantly improved survival rates, making such measures standard practice.
Nigerian Oncologists Advocate for Collaboration to Tackle Cancer Crisis
The Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria (ARCON) has called for collaboration among stakeholders to address Nigeria’s growing cancer burden, emphasising the importance of early detection, quality treatment, and support. In line with the 2025 World Cancer Day theme, “United by Unique,” ARCON advocates for increased investment in oncology infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and the strengthening of Nigeria’s oncology workforce to improve care accessibility. Read More
Athena Commentary: ARCON’s emphasis on collaboration and early detection is essential for addressing Nigeria’s cancer crisis, where late-stage diagnoses and inadequate infrastructure hinder effective treatment. In developed countries, comprehensive screening programmes, well-funded healthcare systems, and robust oncological workforce training have led to improved survival rates and better access to care. However, Nigeria faces a more significant challenge in addressing resource gaps, public awareness, and affordability, highlighting the need for stronger public-private partnerships and long-term policy investment in cancer care.
Cancer Is Beatable, But Access to Treatment Remains a Key Challenge — NCS
Experts from the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) marked World Cancer Day by stressing that cancer is no longer a death sentence, but accessibility to treatment remains a major challenge. They highlighted the importance of early detection and affordable treatment, with some therapies costing up to N3 million per session, and called for increased government support and healthcare worker incentives. Read more
Athena Commentary: While the Nigerian Cancer Society’s focus on early detection and access to affordable treatment is critical, the country still faces substantial barriers such as high treatment costs and limited healthcare infrastructure. In developed countries, cancer care is more integrated, with established early detection programmes, government-funded treatment options, and robust support systems that ensure timely access to care. Nigeria’s efforts are commendable but must be accompanied by systemic improvements in healthcare access, affordability, and public education to match the outcomes seen in more developed healthcare systems.
Compiled By Ijeoma Achebe
