Experts discuss early detection, treatment challenges of childhood cancer
Symptoms
By Folasade Akpan
Prof. Biobele Brown, a pediatric oncologist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, highlighted the challenges of early childhood cancer detection in Nigeria.
He cited the similarities in symptoms with other illnesses, ignorance, poor referral systems, and high treatment costs as major barriers.
Brown said these factors contribute to delayed diagnoses, making it difficult for children to receive timely and effective treatment.
Speaking at a symposium in Abuja on Thursday to mark International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) 2025, Brown emphasised that about 75 per cent of childhood cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages.
The symposium was organised by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with Akanimo Cancer Foundation.
Marked on Feb. 15, every year, the theme for the 2025 commemoration is “Inspiring Action: Actionable Solutions to Strengthen Health Infrastructure, Access to Care, and Early Detection for Childhood Cancer in Nigeria,”
Brown explained that pediatric cancers often present with common symptoms like abdominal swelling, weight loss, and fever, which are commonly seen in non-cancerous conditions.
“As a result, parents often delay seeking treatment, leading to late diagnoses.”
Brown also pointed out that inadequate healthcare manpower and facilities contribute to the late detection of cancer in children.
He urged Nigerians to engage with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) programmes to help improve access to cancer treatment.
He further called for more modern healthcare facilities, particularly radiation oncology, to be made available for children in need of treatment.
Rep. Amos Magaji, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Health, announced that cancer treatment would receive unprecedented attention in the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
He said this includes significant infrastructure upgrades to improve treatment facilities.
He also mentioned plans to introduce advanced equipment, such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanners, to enhance cancer care in Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, stated that the Federal Government, through the National Cancer Strategic Plan 2023-2027, had made comprehensive plans for childhood cancers.
Salako, represented by his Senior Assistant, Technical, Dr Kehinde Ololade, explained that childhood cancers were previously not covered under the plan.
He said, “Before, only adult cancers were covered, but now, childhood cancers are prioritised in the new strategic plan.”
He also highlighted the support from the World Health Organisation, which is helping to make childhood cancer treatment and care more affordable and accessible to the general population.
Salako commended the Akanimo Cancer Foundation for raising awareness about childhood cancer and assisting in the treatment and care of affected children.
The Founder and Executive Director of the foundation, Mrs Idara Ekanem, whose son, Akanimo, passed away from a rare type of cancer at 12 years old, shared the foundation’s vision.
She explained that the foundation’s vision stemmed from a need to help other children battling cancer stay alive.
“Our vision is to raise awareness about childhood cancer, provide support to families affected by it, including bereavement support, and also encourage increased research for better treatments and cures.”
She added that, based on feedback from the organisation’s awareness campaigns, consistent education about the disease yields positive results and should be everyone’s responsibility.
“I want you to spread the message that childhood cancer is real. It affects children in Nigeria. It is not a myth or a suspicion,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
