By Chioma Obinna

On this year’s World Cancer Day, themed ‘United by Unique,’ experts in cancer treatment have declared that cancer is no longer a death sentence.  

They stressed that overcoming this disease requires collective action, patient-centred care, and a concerted effort to tackle the challenges of early detection, treatment accessibility, and rising healthcare costs.

Speaking in Lagos, a 10-year cancer survivor, and the Chairperson of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), Tinu Lawal said: “Cancer is not just about survival; it’s about thriving with dignity, hope, and support. We have come a long way from the days when cancer treatment was a far-off dream.”

Lawal, whose personal journey of survival through limited resources serves as a testament to resilience, shared how she underwent treatment during a time when Nigeria only had one functional radiotherapy machine—one that was often breaking down due to overwhelming demand.

Reflecting on how far cancer care in Nigeria has come, Lawal acknowledged the strides made in recent years but pointed out that significant challenges remain.

 “We’ve moved from where we were 10 years ago—almost at ground zero—to where we are today, but there’s still much to do.  Survival rates are improving, but the reality is that there is still a long road ahead for patients, especially in terms of access to affordable treatment and healthcare services.”

The economic barriers to cancer treatment remain steep, with some therapies costing as much as N3 million per session, she said: “The cost is crippling. A single session of radiotherapy now costs almost N3 million, a far cry from the N200,000 I paid for my treatment years ago,” Lawal explained. She called on the government to provide greater financial support to patients and healthcare providers, stressing that healthcare workers in Nigeria, despite the pressures of brain drain, are the unsung heroes of the healthcare system.

She called on the Nigerian government to urgently address the issue of Japa syndrome currently affecting the treatment of patients.

Noting that one of the key focuses of this year’s World Cancer Day celebration is to advocate for early detection, Lawal emphasised that early detection and treatment are vital. “The sooner we catch cancer, the better the chances of survival. Everyone must take responsibility for their health—regular checks and screenings should be a part of everyday life,” she said.

She said the Nigerian Cancer Society’s Lagos chapter, under her leadership, was committed to raising public awareness, de-stigmatising cancer, and promoting the importance of early detection. Through outreach programs, community engagement, and partnerships, the NCS aims to ensure that cancer becomes a central part of public health conversations.

“In addition to advocacy and education, the NCS focuses on improving access to quality cancer treatment across Nigeria. With new state chapters launched, the organization hopes to strengthen the national healthcare system and create a more unified approach to cancer care, especially in underserved regions.

 “We must continue to bridge the gaps in cancer treatment. Every Nigerian deserves access to quality care, regardless of their background or financial status,” Lawal said.

Highlighting the need for government action, Lawal called for policies that support both patients and healthcare workers.

“We need incentives for our doctors to remain in Nigeria. Without them, no matter how much equipment we have, we won’t be able to provide the necessary care,” she said. With a renewed focus on patient-centred care, the NCS is advocating for a healthcare system where patients are at the heart of all decisions, and the care they receive is tailored to their unique needs.

She advised Nigerians that: “If you notice anything unusual about your health, don’t wait. Speak up, get checked, and take action. Early detection is key in the fight against cancer.”

Speaking, Nigeria’s First Female Radiation & Clinical Oncologist, Associate Professor Anthonia Sowunmi said the alarming truth about cancer in Nigeria is the fact that over 70 per cent of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage.

The reasons are varied—many patients still hold on to superstitious beliefs or misconceptions about the disease. “Some think it’s caused by an arrow,” she says, referring to a local belief that cancer is a curse sent by enemies. Others, fearful and confused, turn to alternative medicine before seeking medical help.

Sowunmi who works at the NSIA – LUTH Cancer Centre said that breast cancer is not some mystical affliction but a medical condition that, if detected early, can be treated.

“When women come forward early for screening, we can drastically reduce the mortality rate linked to breast cancer,” she explains.

 “We’ve empowered women to know their bodies, to know their breasts,” Sowunmi added.  There is a lot of knowledge now; many are now coming forward for early screenings, which is vital for early detection.

She emphasized the importance of screening through mammography, ultrasound scans, and clinical exams, which, if done early, can save lives.

Noting that there is more to cancer prevention than just awareness, she disclosed that the Nigerian government has introduced initiatives such as the Cancer Access Plan (CAP) and the Cancer Control Plan to make healthcare more accessible and affordable.

She explained that these health funds are designed to provide a safety net for cancer patients, offering coverage that allows them to access treatment without the added worry of cost.

She however noted that these funds are not yet widely available or accessible, especially in states like Lagos. “In some states, these health funds don’t reach the people who need them the most,” she said.

“The Cancer Health Foundation, the government puts in place, each person is supposed to be able to access up to almost about $5,000. But as of now, the access to this fund is actually almost impossible. So one of the things the NCS will be doing, that’s the Nigerian Cancer Society, is to try and encourage the government to make sure that the access to this fund is not just to some states. Because in all of Nigeria, I can tell you, about 50 per cent of oncology activities is actually in Lagos. Yet, Lagos doesn’t have, I mean, doesn’t have access to the funds. So we’re trying to see situations where the government can, you know, expand the reach of the CHM to Lagos state and to all other states.

Sowunmi added that top tackle the issue, the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) are working tirelessly to expand the reach of these funds and encourage the government to make the process easier. The hope is that, over time, even those in low-income areas will be able to afford cancer care through modest contributions to a health fund, thus securing access to early treatment when needed.

Speaking on childhood cancer, a paediatric oncologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Adeseye Akinsete, highlighted that childhood cancers, although not as widely discussed, are a growing concern.

He emphasised that, contrary to some beliefs, cancer in children is not a result of parental actions, but is instead primarily driven by genetic factors.

He stressed that early detection, a high index of suspicion, and timely intervention are critical to increasing survival rates, which are as high as 80-90 per cent when caught early.

Elaborating on the common types of cancer in children, particularly in Nigeria, he listed leukaemias (blood cancers), retinoblastoma (cancer of the eye), and Wilms tumour (kidney cancer).

He explained that many of these cancers can be treated effectively if detected early, yet the delay in diagnosis remains a significant problem. In many cases, parents first seek care at local clinics or general hospitals, where the true nature of the illness might not be recognised. By the time children are referred to specialised centres like teaching hospitals, the disease may have progressed, reducing the chances of a successful treatment.

Akinsete noted the role of religious leaders in perpetuating these misconceptions but pointed out that there has been progress in recent years. Many pastors and imams have become advocates for early detection and treatment, recognising the importance of seeking medical care rather than relying solely on spiritual healing. Their support has helped shift public perception and encouraged more individuals to seek timely medical intervention.

On her part, a Radiation Therapist and Founder of the St. Cyril Cancer Treatment Foundation, Mrs Moji Animashaun, stressed the crucial need for accessible treatment options for cancer patients across Nigeria.

Animashaun emphasised that cancer care doesn’t end with detection but availability and accessibility to effective treatment are equally vital.

She explained that while the NCS, Lagos chapter is working to fill critical gaps in cancer care, the fight must continue beyond early detection to ensure that patients receive the necessary treatment in a timely and accessible manner.

Animashaun, who has been a key advocate for increasing the number of cancer centres across the country, noted the significant strides made in breast cancer treatment due to the opening of more radiotherapy centres. The expansion of cancer care facilities has led to more patients receiving treatment, particularly in suburban and rural areas where access was previously limited.

The work of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has been pivotal in reaching communities that were once underserved, and awareness campaigns, such as media jingles and screenings, have encouraged more people to seek help. Even when screenings aren’t free, the willingness of individuals to come forward for early examinations is a promising sign of progress.

According to Animashaun, the number of patients presenting with advanced-stage breast cancer has reduced, and mortality rates are also declining. This is a result of earlier detection and better treatment options, which have empowered individuals to take control of their health.

 As the Lagos chapter of the NCS grows,  Animashaun expects these improvements to accelerate, with more proactive follow-up care for patients to ensure they receive continuous support throughout their treatment journey.