The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has called on the federal government and policymakers to take concrete actions to address the country's cancer burden. According to NCS President, Prof Abidemi Emmanuel Omonisi, commitments without measurable action would do little to reduce the country's cancer burden. He made the call at the opening of the 2026 International Cancer Week (ICW), organised by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) in collaboration with stakeholders.
Cancer remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, imposing emotional, social, and financial burdens on patients, families, and communities. Omonisi noted that the country's cancer response must focus on prevention, health promotion, early detection, accurate diagnosis, timely treatment, palliative care, survivorship, and access to quality cancer services. This comprehensive approach aims to address the complex needs of cancer patients and their families.
The NCS president emphasized that cancer control must extend beyond major cities and tertiary institutions to underserved and vulnerable communities. He stressed the need for stronger coordination among government institutions, healthcare professionals, researchers, civil society organisations, development partners, the private sector, communities, cancer survivors, and patients. This multi-stakeholder approach is crucial to addressing the country's cancer burden effectively.
Omonisi called for greater investment in innovation and research, highlighting the potential of technology, digital health, data systems, artificial intelligence, and innovative diagnostic approaches to improve cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and follow-up. However, he cautioned that innovation must be evidence-based and designed around the realities of Nigeria's health system. This approach will ensure that solutions are tailored to the country's specific needs.
The NCS president emphasized that cancer control must begin at the community level, with national efforts measured by whether Nigerians understand their cancer risks, recognise warning signs, seek care early, and have access to appropriate services. He called for stronger community engagement and culturally appropriate health communication, particularly through partnerships with traditional and religious leaders, community organisations, cancer survivors, and patient advocates.
Omonisi urged stakeholders to ensure that no Nigerian is excluded from cancer prevention and care due to geography, income, gender, age, or social circumstances. He challenged government and policymakers to strengthen cancer-control policies, financing, and accountability and maintain cancer as a priority on Nigeria's health and development agenda. This will require a sustained commitment to addressing the country's cancer burden.
The NCS president concluded by emphasizing the need for partnerships to move beyond meetings to implementation, while research must respond to real-world needs and policies must be adequately financed. With a coordinated effort, Nigeria can make progress in reducing its cancer burden and improving the lives of cancer patients and their families.
Key points
- The Nigerian Cancer Society is urging the government to strengthen financing, policies, and accountability for cancer prevention and control.
- Cancer remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, imposing emotional, social, and financial burdens on patients, families, and communities.
- The NCS president emphasized the need for stronger coordination among stakeholders and greater investment in innovation and research to address the country's cancer burden.
