(DDM) – Cancer advocates have urged the Federal Government to launch a nationwide screening programme to confront rising deaths.
DDM notes that Project Pink Blue Health and Psychological Trust Centre made the appeal during World Cancer Day activities in Abuja.
The group organised a symbolic walk to draw public attention to cancer prevention and early detection.
The organisers also staged a 20-kilometre cycling event to amplify their message on awareness.
They completed a 10-kilometre run to mobilise citizens against the growing cancer burden.
The events took place around the Transcorp Hilton area in the nation’s capital.
Project Pink Blue warned that treatment costs have reached levels many families cannot afford.
The organisation said patients often face painful choices between food and medication.
Programme Associate Faridah M. Banwo described the financial pressure on patients as severe.
She said many patients borrow money to continue chemotherapy.
She added that relatives sometimes sell property to pay for radiotherapy.
She stressed that this year’s theme, “United by Unique,” reflects the personal struggles of patients.
She explained that each patient faces distinct medical and financial challenges.
She urged federal and state authorities to increase funding support for cancer care.
She called on lawmakers to raise allocations to the national Cancer Health Fund.
She advised state governments to create cancer support funds for poor patients.
She argued that targeted funding can reduce preventable deaths.
The group cited national statistics to show the scale of the crisis.
It reported that Nigeria recorded over 127,000 new cancer cases in 2022.
It noted that more than 79,000 people died from cancer in the same period.
It said nearly sixty-two percent of diagnosed patients did not survive.
Executive Director Runcie C.W. Chidebe blamed systemic healthcare gaps for the high mortality.
He rejected claims that patients alone cause late detection.
He listed weak infrastructure as a barrier to timely diagnosis.
He identified limited oncology personnel as another obstacle.
He said transportation difficulties delay many patients.
He added that poverty prevents early hospital visits.
He called for a coordinated national screening system.
He said Nigeria currently relies on scattered screening efforts.
He explained that a national plan would invite eligible citizens for tests.
He said hospitals should routinely offer breast and cervical checks.
He argued that structured screening reduces late-stage detection worldwide.
He pointed to Nigeria’s HIV testing model as proof of feasibility.
He said coordinated campaigns once improved HIV awareness nationwide.
He urged leaders to apply similar commitment to cancer control.
Project Pink Blue continues to support patients through counselling.
The NGO also provides navigation services for treatment access.
It conducts research and advocacy in rural communities.
Health experts say early detection greatly improves survival chances.
They insist that prevention costs far less than treatment.
They warn that delayed action will increase national health burdens.
Advocates want sustained investment in diagnostic centres.
They also want modern equipment in public hospitals.
They believe stronger systems will save thousands of lives yearly.
They insist that government leadership remains critical to success.
They conclude that Nigeria must act quickly to reverse current trends.
