(DDM) – The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on all Nigerians to unite in a decisive fight against cancer.
DDM gathered that her appeal was made in a statement marking World Cancer Day 2026, themed “United by Unique,” emphasizing the importance of collective action.
Mrs. Tinubu declared that while “every cancer journey is different, our hope is shared,” urging the nation to center care around individual patient experiences.
She stressed that listening to personal stories and placing people at the center of care can foster a compassionate and effective response to the disease.
According to her, building a stronger approach requires prevention, early detection, access to quality treatment, and sustained support for patients and their families.
“Together, by uniting our voices and actions, we can move closer to a cancer-free future for all,” the First Lady stated.
World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, is a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to raise awareness, prevent cancer, and ensure equitable treatment access worldwide.
In Nigeria, cancer accounts for over 125,000 new cases each year, with breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancers being the most common, according to WHO data.
The burden is exacerbated by late diagnoses, limited screening programs, and treatment gaps, particularly in rural areas where access to medical facilities is often constrained.
Mrs. Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative has played a pivotal role in addressing these challenges, supporting cancer awareness campaigns, funding screening programs, and advocating for policy reforms.
The initiative has partnered with non-governmental organizations to deploy mobile clinics to underserved communities, enhancing access to early detection services.
She also highlighted the importance of increasing health budgets to strengthen cancer care infrastructure across the country.
The First Lady emphasized that a united response involving government, civil society, healthcare professionals, and individuals is critical to reducing cancer-related mortality in Nigeria.
Her statement comes amid rising public concern over the impact of cancer, which continues to claim thousands of lives annually due to delayed treatment and insufficient awareness.
Experts note that personalized care, as championed by the 2026 World Cancer Day theme, is essential to improving outcomes and ensuring patients receive attention suited to their unique medical and social circumstances.
DDM reports that the First Lady’s call aligns with broader national efforts to integrate cancer prevention into Nigeria’s public health agenda.
By advocating for early detection, treatment accessibility, and sustained patient support, Mrs. Tinubu’s message underscores the urgent need for Nigerians to act collectively against cancer.
Her appeal reminds citizens that public health challenges such as cancer require both policy interventions and community engagement to achieve lasting impact.
