Nearly 120,000 new cases yearly—Nigeria’s cancer burden is rising, and experts say awareness could be the lifesaver.
Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), Chioma Uzodimma, is calling for stronger awareness, early detection, and collective action to tackle the growing cancer crisis in Nigeria.
Speaking at a cancer awareness programme at the University of Abuja in Abuja, she warned that cancer remains a leading global killer—with nearly 20 million new cases and 10 million deaths recorded worldwide.
In Nigeria alone, over 120,000 new cases are reported annually, with breast, cervical, and prostate cancers topping the list.
Uzodimma stressed that many cancers are preventable and treatable if detected early, urging Nigerians to prioritise screening, healthy lifestyles, and open conversations to break stigma.
She said FLAC is driving awareness, expanding access to screening, and pushing policy reforms to improve cancer care across the country.
Health experts at the event echoed the message. Vice-Chancellor Hakeem Fawehinmi emphasised early detection as a game-changer, while Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu highlighted gaps in data, funding, and treatment facilities.
Meanwhile, Usman Aliyu warned that global cancer cases could hit 35 million by 2050, with low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria carrying the heaviest burden.
The message from stakeholders is clear: awareness, prevention, and early action could save thousands of lives.
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