By Wandoo Sombo

The Ngogbehei Cancer Centre (NCC), an NGO, has inaugurated its operations in the United Kingdom with a strategic focus on combating cancer, which has become a growing concern in Nigeria.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, the Founder of the NGO, Marcel Ngogbehei, said the centre was founded based on the fact that cancer continued to pose a major public health challenge in Nigeria.

“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the country records more than 125,000 new cases annually, with over 70,000 deaths attributed to the disease.

“These figures are largely driven by late diagnosis, poor awareness, and limited access to screening and treatment.

“Breast and cervical cancers remain the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Nigeria, yet only 19 per cent of Nigerian women have ever undergone a clinical breast examination, with even fewer accessing routine Pap smears or receiving HPV vaccinations.

“The reality is shocking but not surprising,” Ngogbehei said.

According to him, most Nigerians battling cancer do not know they have it until it’s too late.

“Our health systems are not set up for prevention; that’s where we come in.

“Rather than establishing a conventional hospital, the Ngogbehei Cancer Centre is spearheading a national movement focused on prevention.

“It plans to deliver essential services through a variety of community-based initiatives, including:

“Mobile cancer clinics, repurposed ambulances equipped with diagnostic tools to provide on-the-spot screenings in rural and underserved communities.

“Public education campaigns with outreach programmes, including workshops and school activities, are designed to demystify cancer and promote awareness of early warning signs.

“Volunteer training and support groups with community-led efforts aimed at encouraging regular self-examinations, routine checkups, and post-treatment support.

“Digital outreach tools with mobile applications and online platforms to facilitate self-assessment, appointment bookings, and survivor storytelling,” he said.

Ngogbehei added that the centre would operate nationwide, with a central coordination office and strong collaboration with local healthcare providers and civil society organisations.

He further said that registration in the United Kingdom enhanced the organisation’s credibility, opened access to international funding, and enabled strategic partnerships.

“However, the core of its operations remains rooted in Nigeria.

“We want to build something sustainable, trustworthy, and globally connected.

“Registering in the UK opens doors, but the work is in Nigeria, in villages, schools, churches, and markets where cancer education is urgently needed.”

He noted that the centre’s UK status also positioned it for potential expansion to other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa in the future.

“Evidence suggests that up to 50 per cent of cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes, vaccinations, and early detection.

“However, in Nigeria, misconceptions and stigma continue to shape public perception of the disease.

“The Ngogbehei Cancer Centre seeks to change this narrative through a compassionate, evidence-based, and community-driven approach to care.”

He boasted that the initiative was not just another project, but a promise to make cancer prevention and care a right, not a privilege, for every Nigerian.

Formerly known as the Marcel Ngogbehei Center for Cancer Education and Care, the centre aims to help address the cancer crisis through education, early detection, and improved access to care.

Founded by health advocate and social entrepreneur Marcel Ngogbehei, the centre is now a legally recognised charitable entity committed to addressing the significant gap in cancer awareness and treatment services across West Africa. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim