Early detection and prevention take center stage in fight against cancer.
The Niger State Government has approved free cancer diagnostic services at designated public health facilities, aiming to tackle late diagnoses that contribute to thousands of cancer deaths each year. The announcement was made by Health Commissioner Dr. Murtala Muhammad-Bagana during the 2026 World Cancer Day celebration in Minna.
Bagana emphasized that early diagnosis is the most powerful weapon against cancer, noting Nigeria records over 102,000 new cases annually, with around 72,000 deaths. Breast, cervical, and prostate cancers remain the most common in the state, fueled by low awareness and limited screening services.
Under the New Niger Health Agenda, the state has scaled up HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening, reaching over 22,000 women screened and 444,659 girls vaccinated against HPV. A dedicated cervical cancer unit has been established at Jummai Babangida Aliyu Maternal and Neonatal Hospital in Minna.
Bagana highlighted ongoing collaborations with WHO, CHAI, RAISE Foundation, and other partners to introduce advanced cancer care and immunotherapy, while promising sustained efforts to expand awareness, strengthen primary healthcare, and provide free mammograms and cervical cancer services.
He urged residents to avoid tobacco, maintain healthy lifestyles, get vaccinated, and participate in regular screening, stressing that about 40% of cancers are preventable.
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