Nigeria may be facing an unprecedented cancer crisis as health experts warn of a looming surge in reported cases, fuelled by poor lifestyle habits and late detection.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, revealed that Nigeria records an estimated 127,000 cancer cases annually, with about 80,000 deaths. “Cancer is a monster, and we need a national commitment to fight it,” Pate said during the inauguration of a new Oncology Centre at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina.
Medical specialists, however, warn that the figures could be far higher as better diagnostic tools and surveillance systems are now uncovering previously undetected cases. Dr Adamu Umar, Chairman of the Oncology and Cancer Care Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association, stated that poor diagnostic infrastructure, cultural stigma, and low awareness have long obscured the true extent of the disease. “For every diagnosed case, there are likely hundreds more that go unreported,” he said.
Experts blame lifestyle changes, unhealthy diets, tobacco use, excessive drinking, and sedentary living as key risk factors. Dr Qudus Lawal, Director of Programmes at End Cervical Cancer Nigeria Initiative, added, “If we do not change our ways, the cancer burden will keep rising.”
The Federal Government says new cancer centres will be built across all six geopolitical zones to improve early detection and treatment. Doctors are calling for nationwide cancer screening campaigns, public awareness drives, and mandatory annual check-ups to save lives.
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