By Abubakar Yunusa
Project PINK BLUE has called on the Federal Government to establish a national cancer screening programme to tackle the growing burden of late cancer detection in Nigeria.
The call came on Saturday during activities marking the 2026 World Cancer Day organised by the Health & Psychological Trust Centre at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
The event featured a 5km awareness walk, a 20km cycling exercise and a 10km run aimed at raising public consciousness about cancer prevention and treatment.
Speaking with journalists after the road walk, Programme Associate of Project PINK BLUE, Ms Faridah M. Banwo, raised concerns over the rising cost of cancer treatment, describing it as unbearable for many Nigerian patients.
Banwo said the organisation was using this year’s World Cancer Day theme, United by Unique, to highlight peculiar challenges confronting cancer patients in the country.
She said, “Several patients are currently faced with the difficult choice of whether to buy food or purchase cancer medication. Many patients are borrowing money to pay for chemotherapy, while family members are forced to sell properties to access radiotherapy for their loved ones.”
Banwo stressed that the financial burden of cancer treatment remained devastating, urging the Federal Government and the National Assembly to increase funding for the Cancer Health Fund.
She also appealed to state governments to establish cancer health funds and support structures to assist indigent patients.
According to her, Nigeria has become one of the most difficult places to receive a cancer diagnosis due to limited access to treatment and care.
Also,the Executive Director of Project PINK BLUE, Runcie C.W. Chidebe, attributed the high mortality rate from cancer to systemic failures within the healthcare sector.
Chidebe disclosed that Nigeria recorded 127,763 new cancer cases and 79,542 deaths in 2022, noting that about 62 per cent of diagnosed patients died from the disease.
“The situation was worsened by late detection, shortage of oncology specialists, limited access to treatment facilities and poverty.
“We must stop blaming cancer patients for late detection and begin to address the weaknesses in our healthcare system. If Nigeria must reduce cancer-related deaths, there is an urgent need for a structured national screening programme,”Chidebe said.
He explained that Nigeria currently relied on sporadic screening efforts rather than a coordinated national system, adding that a nationwide screening programme would enable public hospitals to provide routine examinations and promote early detection.
A cancer survivor, Fortune Osilem, who participated in the awareness programme, shared his experience battling colon cancer and emphasised the importance of early diagnosis.
Osilem said he survived the disease after it was detected early, allowing him to commence treatment promptly.
He said, “I have gone through the pains and challenges of cancer treatment. Early detection saved my life, and that is why I am committed to creating awareness so others can seek help early.”
He also condemned the stigmatisation of cancer patients, noting that the disease could affect anyone regardless of social or economic status.
Osilem, a psychologist, said he now provides counselling sessions for cancer patients struggling with emotional stress and discouragement.
He said, “People should stop stigmatising cancer patients. Words of encouragement can make a huge difference in their recovery journey.”
At the event,The General Manager of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Martin Zarybnicky, said the hotel supported charity initiatives as part of its global corporate social responsibility.
Zarybnicky noted that the event also marked the 10th anniversary of Project PINK BLUE, adding that cancer awareness remained a global responsibility.
He said increased public awareness would encourage corporate organisations to support cancer patients, particularly young people facing the disease.
