The Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, inaugurated a three-pronged policy document to reduce the prevalence of cancer in Nigeria. The policies were launched in Abuja on Monday during the opening ceremony of the 2023 International Cancer Week. The policies include the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan 2023-2027, the national cancer research agenda 2024-2027, and the national strategic plan for the prevention of cancer of uterine cervix 2023-2027.
The Minister explained that the three documents prioritize governance, prevention, supply chain management, data and research, as well as surveillance. He expressed his concern over the rise in the incidence of cancer in Nigeria, noting that it has become a leading cause of death worldwide.
He went on to say that the global distribution of predominant cancers has continued to change, especially in developing countries. The Minister lamented the “gory statistics,” which have shown that cancer has become an emerging disease in Nigeria and a “serious public health concern.” He said that breast cancer is the most common cancer in Nigeria, followed by cervical and prostate cancers. Childhood cancers, especially hematological cancers and retinoblastoma, are also increasing daily.
The Minister added that low and middle-income countries accounted for 51 percent of all cancers worldwide in 1975, which increased to 55 percent in 2007 and 70 percent in 2018. He stated that the ministry is determined to harness all available material and human resources within its domain to reduce the incidence of cancer in Nigeria.