The National Cancer Intervention Fund has called for sustainable and transparent financing mechanisms to reduce preventable cancer deaths in Nigeria.

Gafar Alawode, chairman of the NCIF Governing Council, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja, in an interview with journalists to commemorate World Cancer Day 2026.

According to the GLOBOCAN 2022 report, Nigeria records about 127,763 new cancer cases annually, with approximately 79,542 cancer-related deaths.

GLOBOCAN is an online database providing comprehensive, up-to-date estimates of cancer incidence and mortality across 185 countries for 36 cancer types.

Managed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer within the Global Cancer Observatory, it uses population-based cancer registry data to map the global cancer burden.

Breast, prostate, and cervical cancers remain the most common, while women account for a higher proportion of cases than men.

Mr Alawode noted that Nigeria’s high cancer mortality rate was largely driven by late presentation and financial barriers.

Mr Alawode added that studies show that up to 70 to 75 per cent of cancer patients in the country presented at advanced stages (Stages III and IV), when treatment outcomes were often poor.

He said that many cancer-related deaths were preventable with improved access to screening, early diagnosis, and timely treatment, supported by sustainable financing mechanisms.

According to Mr Alawode, NCIF remains committed to strengthening cancer prevention and control efforts by expanding access to affordable cancer services, particularly in prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

He added that sustainable financing was critical to removing financial barriers that prevented patients from accessing care, adding that no Nigerian should be denied lifesaving cancer treatment because of cost.

He called on government at all levels, healthcare providers, development partners, communities, and individuals to work together to address the growing cancer burden in the country.

According to him, a coordinated and inclusive response would help translate individual cancer experiences into collective action and build a future where quality cancer care is accessible to all Nigerians.

World Cancer Day is observed annually on February 4 to raise awareness, promote education, and encourage action to reduce the global cancer burden.

(NAN)