“When I was diagnosed, I felt like my world had collapsed. In my community, there is so much stigma around cancer that people believe it’s a death sentence. I had to travel over 500 kilometers to receive treatment in Lagos because there were no facilities near me.” Eno lamented
Cancer, often seen as a “disease of the West,” has become an urgent public health crisis in Nigeria. Cancer claims 60% more lives in Africa than malaria, and the death toll is climbing rapidly. By 2030, cancer-related deaths are projected to surge by nearly 70%, driven solely by changes in age demographics. While cancer has begun to receive global attention, many Nigerians remain unaware of the disease’s causes, treatments, and policy challenges.
Despite advancements in cancer research and treatment worldwide, Nigeria struggles with late diagnoses, limited access to care, and an inadequate policy framework.
Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, invading and damaging healthy tissues. While cancer has no single cause, risk factors include genetics, lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking, diet), environmental exposures, and infections such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV).
In Nigeria, four types of cancer dominate:
Breast Cancer: Caused 670 000 deaths globally in 2022.
Cervical Cancer: A preventable disease that remains the second most prevalent among women.
Prostate Cancer: The leading cancer affecting Nigerian men.
Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer is one of the prevalent cancers in Nigeria and the leading cancer affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
Despite these grim statistics, awareness remains low. According to estimates by the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO), Nigeria recorded approximately 124,815 new cancer cases and 78,899 cancer-related deaths in 2020. A study conducted in a rural Nigerian community found that only 21.4% of women were aware of breast cancer symptoms. Additionally, 40% believed breast cancer had spiritual causes, and 25.9% thought it was contagious. This knowledge gap delays diagnosis and contributes to the high mortality rate.
Speaking with Dr. Nneka Okafor, a senior oncologist working at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) and a public health advocate, she provides an expert perspective on the clinical aspects of cancer in Nigeria. She discusses the challenges of late-stage diagnosis, the lack of specialized facilities, and the urgent need for public awareness campaigns.
“One of the biggest challenges we face is that nearly 80% of cancer patients in Nigeria are diagnosed at advanced stages. This is often due to a combination of factors, including limited access to screening services and a lack of awareness about early symptoms. Most of our treatment centers are overwhelmed, and many patients cannot afford care. If Nigeria is to tackle this crisis, we must invest in preventive healthcare and ensure that cancer care is accessible to all, not just a privileged few.” She stated.
While cancer research has advanced globally, Nigeria’s contributions remain limited due to funding shortages and a lack of infrastructure. For example, genomic research critical for understanding how cancer affects diverse populations rarely includes African data. This exclusion limits the effectiveness of global cancer treatments for Nigerians.
Nigeria’s National Cancer Control Plan (2018-2022) aimed to address these gaps by focusing on prevention, early detection, and treatment. However, poor implementation and underfunding have hindered progress.
One promising area of research involves linking HPV vaccination to cervical cancer prevention. Despite its proven efficacy, Nigeria’s HPV vaccination coverage remains under 15%, compared to over 60% in Kenya. Expanding access to this vaccine could drastically reduce cervical cancer rates.
Similarly, partnerships with global organizations like the African Cancer Registry Network (AFCRN) have begun to improve cancer data collection. Comprehensive cancer registries are essential for designing effective interventions and policies.
Professor Samuel Eze, a health policy expert who has authored several papers on healthcare infrastructure provides an authoritative voice on the policy and systemic issues that exacerbate Nigeria’s cancer crisis. He discusses the gaps in the national cancer control plan, funding limitations, and the need for a comprehensive approach to healthcare reform.
“Cancer is no longer a disease of the West. It is a global challenge, and Nigeria is not immune. Unfortunately, our healthcare system is poorly equipped to handle the increasing cancer burden. Despite having a National Cancer Control Plan, implementation has been weak due to inadequate funding and lack of political will. If we don’t address these systemic issues now, the projections for 2030 will become a grim reality. Public-private partnerships, improved healthcare funding, and robust health education programs are critical to reversing this trend.” Eze said.
Cancer treatment in Nigeria is overwhelmingly financed through out-of-pocket payments. Chemotherapy costs can exceed ₦1,000,000 per cycle, while radiotherapy sessions range from ₦600,000 to ₦1,000,000. For many, this cost is insurmountable, forcing patients to abandon treatment.
The economic burden is compounded by emotional strain. Families often sell assets or take loans to fund care, leaving them financially devastated. Meanwhile, the psychological toll on patients faced with stigma and fear remains largely unaddressed due to a shortage of psychosocial support services.
Eno Albert, a 39-year-old breast cancer survivor brings a personal and emotional perspective, illustrating the human toll of cancer and the systemic barriers faced by patients. Her testimony highlights the lack of education, cultural stigmas, and financial burdens associated with cancer treatment in Nigeria.
“When I was diagnosed, I felt like my world had collapsed. In my community, there is so much stigma around cancer that people believe it’s a death sentence. I had to travel over 500 kilometers to receive treatment in Lagos because there were no facilities near me. The cost was unbearable. I sold almost everything I owned. Now, I dedicate my time to educating women about early detection and supporting those going through what I experienced. Nigeria must break the silence around cancer and bring services closer to the people.” She narrated.
Nigeria can improve cancer outcomes by adopting a multi-pronged approach:
Prevention through vaccination and education: Expanding HPV vaccination programs and raising awareness about cancer risk factors can significantly reduce cancer incidence. Grassroots campaigns, using local languages and community leaders, can help demystify cancer and counter myths.
Investment in research: Funding local studies on cancer genomics and epidemiology will improve understanding of cancer in Nigerian populations, enabling more effective treatments. Collaborative research with global institutions can also fill data gaps.
Strengthening health infrastructure: The federal government must prioritize equipping more hospitals with diagnostic tools and radiotherapy machines. Decentralizing these resources will improve access for rural populations.
Subsidizing cancer care: Policies to subsidize chemotherapy and radiotherapy through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund can make treatments more affordable. Tax incentives for private healthcare providers offering cancer care could also increase accessibility.
Training healthcare professionals: Increasing the number of oncologists, radiologists, and nurses is critical. Scholarships and incentives can encourage specialization in oncology, particularly for underserved areas.
Nigeria has begun to leverage international collaborations to enhance cancer research. For instance:
Precision medicine initiatives: Research on how genetic variations among Africans influence cancer treatment response is gaining momentum. Early studies highlight the need to tailor therapies to Nigerian patients.
Telemedicine in oncology: Platforms like mDoc use AI to connect patients with specialists, enabling remote consultations. These tools have the potential to improve care for rural populations if infrastructure challenges are addressed.
Clinical trials: While participation remains low, increasing involvement in global cancer trials could provide patients access to cutting-edge treatments and advance understanding of cancer in African populations.
Ms. Comfort Oyayi Daniel faced an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis in 2016. Initially dismissed by local doctors as a benign lump, her condition worsened due to delays. With support from Project PINK BLUE, she accessed subsidized chemotherapy and psychosocial counseling. Today, she advocates for early detection, emphasizing the importance of regular screenings:
“Cancer is not a death sentence. Early detection saved my life.”
Tackling cancer requires more than medical solutions. It demands public awareness, robust policies, and global partnerships. Nigeria must prioritize prevention, invest in research, and ensure equitable access to care.
As cancer continues to claim lives, the time for action is now. Together, we can build a future where cancer no longer holds power over our lives.