The fight against cancer in Nigeria is at a critical juncture, as the Civil Society for Cancer Eradication in Nigeria (CiSCANEN) is urging immediate action to implement the National Cancer Control Plan (2023-2027). In a recent letter addressed to the Minister of State for Health, CiSCANEN emphasized the urgent need for a baseline survey to lay the groundwork for effective cancer screening across the country.
The Importance of Data-Driven Planning
Dr. Mrs. A. Adegoke-Elijah, the National Coordinator of CiSCANEN, highlighted that a comprehensive baseline survey is crucial for identifying the eligible population for cancer screening. Without reliable data, planning effective screening programs becomes a daunting task. The letter showcased CiSCANEN’s commitment to data-driven strategies as fundamental for the country’s cancer intervention efforts.
Concerns About Progress
While CiSCANEN commended the Federal Government for developing the National Cancer Control Plan, the organization expressed concern over the sluggish progress in executing key strategies outlined in the plan. With 2025 gone midway, significant actions to combat the rising cancer burden in Nigeria are yet to be initiated. CiSCANEN pointed out that only through urgent and decisive measures can the goal of screening over 50% of the eligible population by 2027 be realized.
Urgent Recommendations
To address these challenges, CiSCANEN made several recommendations:
- Accelerate Baseline Survey**: The Federal Ministry of Health and the National Institute for Cancer Control and Treatment are urged to fast-track the implementation of a baseline survey. This will inform better decision-making and resource allocation.
- Establish Routine Screening Programs**: Immediate establishment of routine screening programs for breast, cervical, prostate, and colon cancer at both community-based and tertiary healthcare centers is essential.
- Targeted Outreach Initiatives**: CiSCANEN advocates for targeted outreach programs to underserved and hard-to-reach communities. This includes mobile screening units and culturally relevant awareness campaigns to bolster participation in screening activities.
- Integration of Pediatric Cancer Screening**: While adult cancers have received significant attention, it is imperative to integrate pediatric and hematological cancer screenings into existing child health programs at primary healthcare centers.
A Call to Action
CiSCANEN underscores the grave consequences of failing to implement the National Cancer Control Plan as scheduled. The organization urges all stakeholders involved in cancer control, including the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Institute for Cancer Control, to intensify efforts in executing the outlined strategies.
Cancer continues to be a major public health challenge in Nigeria. Failure to act not only jeopardizes the health of the population but also undermines the progress made in cancer care and intervention.
CiSCANEN outlined their comprehensive demands, which include:
- The urgent establishment and operationalization of nationwide routine screening programs.
- Strategic outreach efforts focused on underserved communities to increase cancer awareness and participation in screening.
- The immediate commencement of the baseline survey to determine the eligible population for screening.
As CiSCANEN remains devoted to collaborating with the government and other relevant stakeholders, they anticipate urgent responses and collective action aimed at reducing the cancer burden in Nigeria.
For more information or to support these initiatives, you can contact Dr. Mrs. A. Adegoke-Elijah, National Coordinator, CiSCANEN at +234 803 419 8862 or via email at ciscanen@gmail.com.
Together, let’s work towards a healthier Nigeria, where the fight against cancer is effective, informed, and accessible to all.