Paediatric oncologist calls for centres to combat childhood cancer in Nigeria
By Folasade Akpan
Dr Timipah West, a Paediatric Oncologist at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital in Bayelsa, has called for the establishment of dedicated paediatric oncology centres across all the geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
West made the call on Saturday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
As February 15 marks International Childhood Cancer (ICC) Day, a global campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer, West emphasised the importance of these centres in tackling the increasing incidences of childhood cancer.
She said these centres would aid in the early detection and treatment of the disease.
West advocated for the provision of essential diagnostic equipment, including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanners, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CT/MRI) machines, immunohistochemistry, and facilities for genetic studies at each paediatric oncology centre.
She also stressed that paediatric cancer care should be free to ensure early detection and proper treatment.
“Manpower development is essential, with trained paediatric oncologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, paediatric surgeons, paediatric oncology nurses, laboratory scientists, geneticists, and other paediatric sub-specialists being invaluable to the operation of these facilities,” she said.
West also called for the provision of treatment options like free or highly subsidised chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy.
She highlighted that the support for families of children with cancer, often overlooked, is crucial because of its devastating financial, psychological and social impact.
The oncologist further recommended increased public awareness to provide the correct information about childhood cancer, its prevention and treatment.
West identified common cancers in Nigerian children, including solid tumours like lymphomas, neuroblastoma (adrenal gland cancer), nephroblastoma (kidney cancer), retinoblastoma (eye cancer), rhabdomyosarcoma (muscle cancer), and acute leukaemia (cancer of the white blood cells).
“While the cause of most childhood cancers remains unknown, factors such as genetic makeup, mutations, exposure to certain chemicals, and cancer drugs may contribute to cellular changes that lead to cancer.”
Regarding the rising number of childhood cancer cases in Nigeria, West cited factors such as increased diagnostic capabilities, more treatment facilities, greater public awareness due to advocacy, and environmental factors like climate change, which could lead to genetic changes.
NAN reports that the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 400,000 children and adolescents worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year.
However, Nigeria currently lacks specific data on childhood cancer. At the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the first Childhood Population-Based Cancer Registry in Nigeria has recorded 237 childhood cancer cases since its establishment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Stanley Nwanosike and Abiemwense Moru
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