‎‎Cancer
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‎By Justina Auta
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‎Some stakeholders have called for community-driven action to improve early cancer detection, expand access to treatment and strengthen partnerships to reduce breast cancer deaths.
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‎They made the call on Wednesday at a town hall meeting marking the Pinktober 2026 Northeast Cancer Campaign, organised by the Cancer Consciousness Initiative (CCI) TeleOncology Hub in Nguru, Yobe.
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‎The campaign, with the theme, “Awareness to Access”, was organised in partnership with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Nguru, Northeast Development Commission, Nigerian Cancer Society and other stakeholders.
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‎Speaking, the Chairman, Nigerian Cancer Society, FMC Nguru Chapter, Dr Bashiru Adebayo, said the initiative sought to promote awareness, early diagnosis, treatment and survivor support.
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‎”This will create more awareness on cancer and enlighten the public on when and where to seek help.
 
‘’It will also enlighten people on how to access timely assessment and diagnosis, including available treatment and support for survivors,” he said.
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‎Adebayo noted that breast cancer remained one of the major causes of mortality, stressing the need for practical action beyond awareness campaigns.
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‎He advocated the establishment of multidisciplinary cancer management teams and urged traditional and religious leaders to promote awareness, reduce stigma and encourage early medical attention.
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‎He also called on healthcare professionals to intensify community education, encourage routine breast self-examination and ensure prompt referral of suspected cases.
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‎Adebayo further urged the media to sustain breast cancer awareness beyond October to improve public knowledge and early health-seeking behaviour.
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‎Also, Dr Hannatu Ayuba Usman, a Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist, National Hospital Abuja, stressed the need to go beyond discussing cancer, but to listen, to engage, and find solutions together.
 
‎”Too often, people living with cancer suffer in silence, not only because of the disease, but because of fear, stigma, financial difficulties, misinformation, and the challenges of accessing appropriate care.
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‎” That is why community engagement is at the heart of what we do,” she said.
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‎According to her, fear, stigma, financial hardship, misinformation and poor access to care often prevent patients from seeking timely treatment.
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‎She said that the community Patient Navigators link communities with healthcare facilities, helping patients access screening, diagnosis, specialists and continuous support throughout treatment.
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‎Usman emphasised multidisciplinary collaboration involving oncologists, radiologists, histopathologists and patient navigators to improve patient outcomes.
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‎Another stakeholder, a Consultant Histopathologist, FMC Nguru, Dr Adamu Isa, underscored the importance of awareness, early detection and improved access to treatment services.
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‎He urged stakeholders to become ambassadors for breast cancer awareness in homes, workplaces, places of worship and communities.

‎Also, Dr Thomas Nwobu, President, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, FMC Nguru Branch, stressed early detection, proper clinical assessment and treatment continuity.
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‎Nwobu also called for wider public participation in cancer prevention and awareness efforts.
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‎On her part, a breast cancer survivour, Hajiya Hadiza Sagiru, encouraged women to embrace regular screening for early detection.
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‎She also urged the government to prioritise access to treatment, saying timely care significantly improves survival chances.
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‎The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting featured a panel discussion on breast cancer management, including challenges of treating pregnant women through multidisciplinary collaboration.
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‎Other activities to mark the breast cancer awareness month include breast cancer screening, patient navigation services, health insurance subscription and a Mega Rally Cancer Walk to hold in separate occasions. (NAN)
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Edited by Esenvosa Izah