Cancer
By Folasade Akpan
The Federal Government has operationalised oncology-preventive clinics in eight tertiary hospitals, strengthening Nigeria’s cancer prevention, screening and early-detection capacity nationwide.
Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, confirmed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the 2026 World Cancer Day commemoration.
The event, with the theme ‘United by Unique,’ highlighted collective responsibility among government, institutions and citizens in tackling Nigeria’s growing cancer burden.
Salako said Nigeria “has made giant strides in cancer care and prevention” through sustained investments in infrastructure, policy reforms and specialised manpower development.
He said the newly activated clinics would significantly expand access to early screening services and reduce late cancer presentation and mortality.
“I am delighted to declare formally active eight oncology-preventive clinics,” Salako said, listing the facilities as Federal Medical Centre Abuja and Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.
Others are University of Benin Teaching Hospital and University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.
The remaining centres are Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano.
Salako also named Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, as part of the newly operational centres.
He urged Nigerians to embrace routine screening and early presentation at health facilities when symptoms first appear.
“Prevention, as we know, is not only better, it is cheaper. It is everything,” the minister emphasised.
According to him, National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has provided mammogram machines to support early breast-cancer detection at selected centres.
He also launched the Nigerian Nuclear Medicine Strategic Plan to strengthen diagnostic and therapeutic cancer services.
The minister unveiled the National Cancer Control Plan for 2026–2030 to guide investments in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient-centred research.
He said the plan aligned with the National Health Act 2014 and international frameworks on cancer control.
Salako added that it reflected commitments under the Union for International Cancer Control Declaration 2035.
He said the plan also aligned with the World Health Organisation Global Cancer Strategy, including childhood and breast-cancer initiatives.
Salako stressed that integrating cancer screening into routine healthcare services remained critical for reducing avoidable deaths.
He said the new plan prioritised early detection and aimed to establish a functional national cancer screening programme.
On the suspended Cancer Health Fund, Salako said government was introducing a more sustainable financing approach.
He explained that Catastrophic Health Insurance would provide stronger coverage for Nigerians facing life-threatening medical conditions.
“We recognise that current budgetary provisions are not enough to meet cancer treatment needs.
“So we are introducing insurance to cover cancer patients, rather than relying on health funds that are inadequate,” Salako said.
He projected that the Catastrophic Health Insurance scheme would be operational before the end of 2026.
Salako also confirmed ongoing investments in cancer equipment and specialised treatment facilities nationwide.
According to him, the Federal Executive Council plans to procure 35 radiotherapy machines between 2026 and 2028.
He said the procurement aimed to close existing treatment gaps and reduce patient travel abroad.
The minister revealed that the African Oncology Collaborative Network would be unveiled before the third quarter of 2026.
He said the network would strengthen continent-wide collaboration led by African institutions on cancer research and care.
Salako commended federal agencies for progress in vaccination-based cancer prevention programmes.
He cited human papillomavirus vaccination for cervical cancer and hepatitis immunisation to reduce liver-cancer incidence.
Director-General of NICRAT, Prof Usman Aliyu, said cancer remained a major public-health challenge in Nigeria.
Aliyu noted that many Nigerians faced barriers to prevention, early detection, treatment and palliative care services.
According to him, NICRAT is strengthening research capacity through the Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Cancer Research Project.
Aliyu said the initiative aimed to generate robust local evidence for effective national cancer-control policies.
He stressed that improving the national cancer registry system remained a priority for the institute.
“Reliable data is the backbone of effective cancer control,” Aliyu said, citing ongoing registry expansion nationwide.
He added that NICRAT was revitalising radiotherapy services across all geopolitical zones.
Aliyu said the effort would reduce medical travel and ensure equitable access to modern oncology treatment.
President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof Abidemi Omonisi, commended government efforts in cancer control.
However, he appealed for stronger financial support to ease high chemotherapy and treatment costs.
Omonisi said many cancer survivors faced severe financial and social challenges during treatment.
He urged the reinstatement of the National Cancer Health Fund to support vulnerable patients.
“Many of our cancer survivors cannot afford treatment or essential care,” he said.
Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof Bala Audu, reaffirmed doctors’ commitment to cancer prevention and care.
According to him, doctors support early diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and palliation nationwide.
Audu praised improvements in infrastructure and upgraded cancer centres across the country.
He said the work of NICRAT strengthened both research and treatment capacity in Nigeria.
Audu expressed optimism that Nigeria’s cancer-care future “looks bright” with sustained investment and collaboration.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that World Cancer Day is marked annually to raise awareness globally.
It also promotes education and encourages coordinated action against the growing burden of cancer worldwide. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
