By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

As Nigeria joins the global community to mark World Cancer Day 2026, the President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, NCS, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, has issued a powerful call for decisive action against cancer, warning that late diagnosis, high treatment costs and unequal access to care are still costing thousands of lives across the country.

Speaking at a pre-World Cancer Day press briefing in Abuja,on Tuesday,Prof. Omonisi described February 4 as “more than a date on the calendar,” but a moment of reflection, solidarity and resolve for millions of Nigerians living with cancer-patients, survivors, caregivers and families who have lost loved ones.

“Behind every statistic is a human being,a mother trying to stay strong for her children, a young man facing an unexpected diagnosis, a family navigating fear and uncertainty,” he said.

“To every one of them, we say: you are seen, you are not alone, and your lives matter.”

This year’s global theme, “United by Unique,” he noted, underscores the reality that while every cancer journey is personal, Nigerians must stand together to reduce the burden of the disease and improve survival outcomes.

Despite notable progress in cancer control, Prof. Omonisi lamented that many Nigerians still present late for treatment, with devastating consequences.

“For too many Nigerians, the cancer journey is made harder than it should be by late diagnosis, limited access to screening, high out-of-pocket costs, stigma and unequal access to quality care. This is simply not acceptable,” he declared.

He stressed that many cancers are preventable and treatable, insisting that thousands of lives could be saved through early detection and collective action.

The NCS President acknowledged Nigeria’s recent strides, including increased public awareness, expansion of cancer registries, establishment of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), the National Cancer Health Fund, and the development of an up-to-date National Cancer Control Plan.

“These are achievements worth acknowledging,” he said, “but they must not make us complacent. We still face shortages in oncology services, diagnostic capacity and trained health workers, and we must integrate cancer prevention and care more strongly into our primary healthcare system.”

To mark World Cancer Day 2026, Prof. Omonisi announced that commemorative activities will be held simultaneously across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Planned activities include free breast, prostate and cervical cancer screenings, ministerial press briefings, cancer walks, public lectures, courtesy visits, patient support programmes and the launch of the Strategic Cancer Control Plan (2026–2030).

In partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NICRAT and the National Cancer Control Programme, the NCS will also organise regional mega cancer rallies and screenings across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, running until February 28, 2026.

The activities will culminate in an international press conference in early March.

Prof. Omonisi urged government at all levels to show sustained leadership through policy, financing and accountability, while calling on health professionals, researchers, civil society and the private sector to play their roles.

“Investment in cancer control is not a cost; it is a commitment to life, productivity and national development,” he said.

He also cautioned young Nigerians against seeing cancer as an “older person’s disease,” emphasizing prevention through healthy lifestyles, vaccination and regular screening.

“A Cancer Diagnosis Must Not Be a Death Sentence”

Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Omonisi pledged continued advocacy for equitable care, protection of patients’ rights, promotion of early detection and support for research and capacity building.

“Let us build a Nigeria where a cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence, and where access to quality care does not depend on where you live or how much you earn,” he urged.

As Nigeria marks World Cancer Day 2026, the message from the Nigerian Cancer Society is clear: beyond awareness, the country must move toward action, equity and impact,be united in hope, courage and determination to change the cancer story.

The Director-General of the National Institute for Research and Treatment,NICRAT, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, who equally spoke at the event, assured that government was working to nationalise cancer screening services and as well as integrate them across all levels of care

Speaking through his representative and the Institute’s Director of Cancer Prevention and Control, Dr. Usman Mohamed Waziri, Aliyu said the federal government is increasing attention to cancer research and prevention.

According to him,“At least for the first time, the Nigerian government is dedicating funds towards building research capacity, strengthening data quality and ensuring that we have young researchers focused on cancer. “

Aliyu commended the Nigerian Cancer Society for playing a critical ole in linking research to policy and practice.

He said,“We’ve really enjoyed tremendous support and unwavering commitment from the Nigerian Cancer Society in improving cancer research, prevention and in ensuring that government policies are based on scientific progress and the lived realities of Nigerian patients. “

.

He added that the government is rolling out national cancer screening clinics across eight facilities in the country, noting that services will range from basic clinical examinations to mammography, endoscopy and other specialised screening procedures.

He added that strengthening the National Cancer Health Fund remains critical to improving access to care and addressing late presentation.

“Access to quality care and late presentation present major hindrances to improving outcomes among Nigerians with cancer,” he said.