In a bid to address the alarming rise in cancer-related deaths, Dr. Abia Nzelu, a renowned Oncologist, has emphasized the critical need for Nigeria to establish a comprehensive cancer center. Dr. Nzelu, who serves as the Executive Secretary of GivingTide International, expressed concern over Nigeria’s lack of such a facility, which he believes is essential for effectively managing the spectrum of cancer care.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation on World Cancer Day 2024, Dr. Nzelu stressed that developing countries like Nigeria bear the brunt of the global cancer burden, yet receive only a fraction of the necessary resources for cancer care. He emphasized that a comprehensive cancer center goes beyond mere treatment facilities, integrating research, prevention, treatment, and palliative care under one roof.
Drawing attention to the stark contrast with other African nations and the global community, Dr. Nzelu pointed out that while countries like India boast hundreds of comprehensive cancer centers, Nigeria lags behind. He urged stakeholders to rally together and bridge the gap in cancer care, emphasizing the importance of lifelong advocacy for lasting change.
In a related development, staggering statistics reveal that 79,542 lives were lost to cancer in Nigeria within a single year. With over 127,000 new cases reported in 2022 alone, breast, prostate, cervical, colorectal, and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma cancers emerged as the most prevalent forms of the disease.
As Nigeria grapples with this health crisis, the call for urgent action to establish a comprehensive cancer center grows louder, underscoring the need for collective efforts to combat this formidable foe.
