Stakeholders in cancer care have called on governments at all levels and civil society organisations to intensify efforts in creating awareness and improving treatment access for cancer patients in Nigeria.

They made the call was made on Friday in Abuja during a press conference held to commemorate a two-day training programme for cancer survivors under the “Count Me In: Pain and Palliative Project.”

The training, organised by a leading cancer care advocacy NGO in Nigeria, Project PINK BLUE (PPB), was held in collaboration with the Dicey Scroggins Patient Advocacy Fellowship.

The fellowship is a key component of the Count Me In project.

The event was also supported by the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS), further strengthening its impact and outreach in advancing cancer advocacy and patient empowerment.

Speaking at the event, Health Communication Associate at PPB, Faridah Banwo, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to empowering cancer survivors to become advocates for change.

Ms Banwo said, “Empowering survivors with the right knowledge and skills enables them to become impactful voices in transforming the cancer care experience. Patients with lived experiences are better positioned to drive awareness, encourage treatment uptake, and educate communities on prevention and early detection.’’

Executive Director of PPB, Runcie Chidebe, lamented that while significant campaigns had promoted HPV vaccination in Nigeria, there remained a critical gap in treatment access for women already diagnosed with cervical cancer.

He said, “These women often feel abandoned in policy discussions, with few platforms focusing on their treatment needs, survival, and quality of life. The WHO’s global strategy for cervical cancer elimination (90:70:90 target) mandates that countries such as Nigeria ensure 90 per cent of diagnosed women receive timely and effective treatment, yet we are falling short.’’

Mr Chidebe called on the government to scale up access to brachytherapy and other forms of cervical cancer treatment, noting that more than 50 per cent of women living with cancer suffered severe pain, yet access to pain relief and palliative care remained scarce.

President of the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Nigeria, Prof. Tonia Onyeka, said that the importance of integrating palliative care into the cancer care system.

She said, “Every person living with a life-limiting illness such as cancer deserves quality palliative care. Neglecting this population only worsens their condition. Government support is critical to complement the efforts of NGOs.’’

Highlighting the human cost of inaction, a cervical cancer survivor, Hadiza Binji-Haliru, noted that in 2022, an estimated 13,676 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in Nigeria, with 7,093 (51 per cent) dying.

She said, “Additionally, 2,906 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and 1,824 (62 per cent) lost their lives.’’

She urged the government to address the alarming mortality rates by making cancer treatment more accessible and affordable.

Fellow survivors, Ivey Umeh and Mercy Sopuruchi, emphasised the call, advocating equitable cancer care, enhanced awareness campaigns, and policies prioritising pain management, palliative care, and comprehensive treatment.

They said, “We must empower survivors to be advocates, not just for themselves but for entire communities.’’

(NAN)