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Dire Statistics Revealed by Nigeria’s Cancer Institute: Over 120,000 New Cancer Cases Annually
- December 11, 2023
- Posted by: Admin
- Category: Health Health tips National Health Daily News update
Professor Usman Aliyu, representing the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), disclosed that Nigeria confronts an alarming situation with over 120,000 new cancer cases reported each year. Speaking at the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists conference in Nasarawa State, Aliyu highlighted the devastating toll of cancer, citing an estimated 78,000 deaths in 2020 due to cancer-related complications, with 44,699 female and 34,200 male fatalities.
Emphasising the gravity of the situation, Aliyu articulated NICRAT’s commitment to combat cancer through intensified awareness campaigns, enhanced treatment access, and robust research endeavours. The institute aims to substantially increase the number of cancer experts via comprehensive training programs across healthcare professions.
To address this crisis, NICRAT recently unveiled three strategic documents: the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan 2023-2027, National Cancer Research Agenda 2024-2027, and National Strategic Plan for Prevention of Cancer of Uterine Cervix 2023-2027. These documents outline critical action areas encompassing governance, prevention, supply chain management, data, research, and surveillance aligned with the Ministry of Health’s agenda to uplift Nigeria’s healthcare.
Aliyu applauded the government’s move in transferring the Cancer Trust Fund to NICRAT, urging media and stakeholders’ support to achieve the goal of disrupting, defeating, and eradicating cancer in Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to prioritise health check-ups and promptly seek medical attention upon detecting any unusual symptoms, emphasising early detection as pivotal in preventing the escalation of illnesses, including various forms of cancer.
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