At least 79, 000 people have died of cancer disease while 127, 000 cases of cancer have been reported across Nigeria between 2022 and 20205.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, (AE-FUTHA), Ebonyi State Prof. Robinson Onoh, who disclosed this at the hospital during the flag off of free cancer screening programme for South East, described the menace of cancer as very alarming, stressing that the situation needed urgent attention and prevention.
The free cancer screening for South East was flagged off by the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of health and social welfare, Ms Daju Kachollom at AE-FUTHA. She said the free screening will go on across Nigeria till end of February 2026.
According to the AE-FUTHA CMD, cancer is a leading cause of non-communicable disease mortality in the areas of breast, prostate and cervical cancers which are common and frequently diagnosed at advanced stages.
According to Onoh, “Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The burden of cancer on humanity is huge, and the best way to reduce this burden, is through primary prevention, which prevents one from developing cancer. Primary prevention involves health education, awareness creation, public enlightenment, vaccination, and screening.
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, with over 2.3 million new cases and 670, 000 deaths in 2022, making it the leading cause of female cancer-related morality.
“Cervical cancer is a major global health issue, ranking as the fourth most common cancer in women and the commonest gynaecological cancer, with approximately 660, 000 new cases and 350, 000 deaths in 2022.
“Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, with an estimated 1.4 million diagnoses and 375, 000 deaths worldwide in 2020 and the fifth leading cause of death worldwide. Primary prevention is the way to go in saving the world from the present and future burden of cancer”.
He commended President Tinubu, Minister of health and the Permanent Secretary for finding AE-FUTHA worthy of representing the South East in the World cancer Day celebration and for the opportunity for the free cancer screening programme for 1,000 individuals and capacity-building for staff.
The Permanent Secretary Ms Kachollom in her remarks, said that the ministry was determined to prevent cancer to reduce the rate in the country.
She said that Ekwueme hospital has shown capacity and will grow to be one of the best teaching hospital in the country, saying that the ministry will give full support to it so as to become the best in the country to compete favourably internationally.
The governor of Ebonyi State Chief Francis Nwifuru represented by his Deputy Mrs. Patricia Obilla said that the state will continue to partner with federal ministry of health in health delivery.
She said that governor has built and renovated general hospitals equipped with modern facilities, saying that he provided cars to doctors working in the general hospitals in the state.
The deputy governor said that the government is doing everything to provide healthcare services to the rural dwellers in the state.
The Permanent Secretary, during the visit, commissioned some projects and facilities in Ekwueme hospital.
