Medical Professionals Emphasize Early Detection
In a joint effort to combat the rising incidence of cancer in Nigeria, experts from the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) underscore the critical importance of early detection in reducing cancer-related fatalities.
Late Arrival to Hospitals: A Major Culprit
The senior health professionals stress that one of the primary reasons for high mortality rates is the late arrival of individuals with advanced-stage cancer to healthcare facilities. Dispelling the misconception that cancer is a death sentence, they emphasize the pivotal role of early detection in improving treatment outcomes and reducing the financial burden associated with managing the disease.
World Health Organization’s Perspective
Quoting the World Health Organization (WHO), the physicians highlight that diagnosing cancer at later stages not only leads to increased treatment costs but also condemns many to unnecessary suffering and early death. Early detection, on the other hand, not only reduces treatment expenses but also allows individuals to continue their normal lives if effective treatment is accessed in a timely manner.
World Cancer Day Awareness Walk
The NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre organized an awareness walk in Lagos to commemorate World Cancer Day 2024. The theme, ‘Close the Care Gap: Everyone Deserves Access to Cancer Care,’ aims to address inequalities in cancer care and promote actions to combat the disease.
Director’s Perspective: Early Detection Saves Lives
Dr. Lilian Ekpo, Director of the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre, stresses the rising incidence of cancer globally, with particular severity in low and middle-income countries like Nigeria. She highlights the top four cancers in Nigeria—breast, prostate, cervical, and colon cancer—and emphasizes that mortality is high due to late presentations and the quality of healthcare.
Changing Perceptions: Cancer is Not a Death Sentence
Dr. Ekpo acknowledges the slow but steady change in the perception of cancer in Nigeria. Despite challenges, the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre continues its efforts through various platforms to educate the public that cancer is not a death sentence and that viable treatment options exist.
Challenges and Solutions
While Dr. Ekpo identifies the rising incidence of cancer, especially noncommunicable diseases, as a challenge, she also applauds the deployment of state-of-the-art treatments and equipment in the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre. However, she notes the financial challenges faced by cancer patients and emphasizes the need for awareness and education.
Call for Action: Close the Gap in Personnel and Infrastructure
Chief Clinical Director, Dr. Habeebu Muhammad, stresses the urgency to close the gap in personnel managing cancer and improve infrastructure. He calls for the inclusion of cancer treatment in insurance to make it accessible to low and middle-income individuals.
Conclusion: Early Detection – Key to Successful Treatment
In conclusion, the NSIA-LUTH directors reiterate the primary focus on awareness, emphasizing that early detection through screening is the key to successful cancer treatment. The call to action includes raising awareness, closing the care gap, and making cancer treatment accessible to all.
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