Cancer is increasingly emerging as Nigeria’s most persistent fatal disease, surpassing a healthcare system that remains focused on older issues. The World Health Organization’s recent investment case regarding non-communicable diseases addressed Nigeria’s growing cancer problem directly. While cancer and other NCDs cause millions of deaths globally before age 70, WHO estimates that investing just three dollars per person each year could save millions and generate significant economic benefits.
Neglect and Access Barriers
For Dr. Nwamaka Lasebikan, former Director of Research and Innovation at the Nigerian Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, the report reflects realities she encounters every day. “To be honest, the fate of an average Nigerian living with cancer right now is really not too good,” she told Paul Adepoju, managing editor at healthnews.ng. “There have been some hitches with the operationalization of the Cancer Health Fund, which disrupted the ability to access funds for the top three cancers — cervix, prostate and breast. This has impacted negatively, because in Nigeria, most patients access their treatment out-of-pocket. That means a huge financial burden.”
However, progress has been made in some areas. “In terms of radiotherapy machines, there has been progress,” she explained. “Two months ago, the minister went around to three sites to commission three additional linear accelerators in diverse regions. There are now about 16 linear accelerators scattered around the country. This is not enough, but it highlights progress.”
Diagnostic and Infrastructure Gaps
Yet diagnostics remain a critical bottleneck. “Survivors actually brought that up. They complained that they had to waste resources because tests done in Facility A were not accepted when they went to an oncologist. This highlights the need for quality assurance. CT scans are readily available, but affordability is the problem. MRIs are not as widely available, and again affordability is the issue. They have only one functional PET scan in Nigeria. These facilities are only in urban settings. In rural settings, they are not there, and women often travel many miles at great cost.”
On financing, she acknowledged new moves but cautioned that the system is still weak. “One of the problems with the Cancer Health Fund was because they wanted to expand the platform to take in more cancers and make funds available to more people. There is also a Catastrophic Health Fund set aside, up to a billion naira, to cover chronic diseases like kidney disease and cancer. This rollout is expected in the not too distant future so patients with cancer can begin to benefit.”
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Workforce Shortages and Prevention Efforts
Her deepest concern is not infrastructure but people. “I am exceptionally concerned about the workforce — the dwindling workforce in the oncology space. Not just doctors, but every cadre responsible for delivering safe and effective care. They need to declare a state of emergency. With the trajectory they are on, they will not even be close to meeting the number of oncologists needed in the next 20 to 30 years.”
Still, she finds hope in the growing activism of those who know cancer best. “What I am optimistic about are cancer survivors. They are becoming more vocal, demanding a seat at the table, and demanding that their lived experiences are heard. They should be guided so that we can tailor our limited resources for the best gains. They need to be involved at every level — policy, clinical, and community.”
Prevention Efforts and Global Alignment
Advocacy drives cervical cancer prevention efforts, with the World Health Organization urging member states to adopt elimination strategies. This economic argument has strengthened calls for action. However, progress on breast cancer elimination remains stalled. She noted that prevention efforts, particularly on cervical cancer, have gained momentum. “Advocacy is what is driving it,” she said. “The advocacy for cervical cancer elimination is quite high, starting from the WHO asking member states to conform… There was also a time when Nigeria was looking at adopting the WHO plan for breast cancer elimination… but we haven’t heard much about progress yet.”
The focus on cervical cancer stems from its preventability through vaccines and screenings. Health officials acknowledge the need for stronger coordination between federal and state programs to reach underserved populations.
Financial Models and Patient Guidance
To patients beginning treatment, Dr. Lasebikan urges reliance on evidence-based care and open dialogue with doctors. Alternative practice is becoming common, but while some use it for symptom relief, others abandon treatment for it. I would advise sticking with evidence-based treatments and keeping open communication with doctors. Some complementary medicines can be counterproductive. It is not a sprint, it is a marathon… open communication, early diagnosis, and positivity are key.
