The Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Aliyu, disclosed that Nigeria records over 120,000 new cancer cases annually, with an estimated 78,000 deaths due to cancer-related complications in 2020. Aliyu shared these statistics during the seventh annual conference of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists in collaboration with the World Health Organization in Nasarawa State.

Represented by Hassan Zaggi, Aliyu highlighted the gender breakdown of the 2020 deaths, noting that 44,699 females and 34,200 males succumbed to cancer that year. These grim statistics emphasize the urgent need for a robust national response to cancer.

Aliyu reiterated NICRAT’s commitment to disrupting the trend of rising cancer cases in the country through heightened awareness, better access to treatment, and increased research efforts. He announced the institute’s strategic focus on increasing the number of cancer experts by training and retraining healthcare professionals. To support these efforts, NICRAT recently launched three key documents: the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan 2023-2027, the National Cancer Research Agenda 2024-2027, and the National Strategic Plan for Prevention of Cancer of Uterine Cervix 2023-2027.

These strategic documents cover essential areas such as governance, prevention, supply chain management, data collection, research, and surveillance. Aliyu applauded the federal government’s decision to move the Cancer Trust Fund from the Ministry of Health to NICRAT, enhancing the institute’s ability to combat the disease.

He urged the media, NGOs, and other stakeholders to collaborate in the fight against cancer, expressing hope that with concerted efforts, cancer could be significantly reduced, and ultimately eradicated, in the coming years.

Aliyu also encouraged Nigerians to prioritize their health by undergoing regular medical check-ups and seeking prompt evaluation for any unusual symptoms to catch illnesses, including cancer, early for better outcomes.