From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), said that plans are on, to improve on the cancer situation in Nigeria, starting with reliable data on all the different cancers in Nigeria, and also those on treatment.
The Institute said it has also taken adequate measures to also improve on management and treatment, hence it appreciated the efforts of the President through the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and the recent procurement and installation of state-of-the-art cancer treatment equipments in some selected health facilities across the country.
NICRAT Director General/Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Dr. Usman Malami Aliyu, told journalists at an interactive session jointly organized with the International Society of Media in Public Health, (ISMPH), in Abuja, that the Institute has developed 2024 work plan from the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan, that will enable it achieve set targets for the year and beyond.
He explained that the Institute was established to provide leadership in cancer research, treatment and control in Nigeria, and was also empowered to guide scientific improvement to cancer prevention, treatment and care, coordinate and liaise with groups and health care providers with interest in cancer.
“This is what we have been doing over the years, and we are deeply committed to doing more with additional support. Tremendous progress has been made over the years, and if more support, financial and logistics, is provided for us, we would record greater achievement, providing Nigerians with the relevant information and knowledge needed to prevent or manage any form of cancer,” he said.
He, thus solicited the support of charitable organisations and philanthropists to contribute to the Cancer Health Fund to address the scourge of cancer related issues in the country. “Recent report by the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), indicated that there was 120,000 new cancer cases with about 80,000 deaths in Nigeria in 2022.
“Prevalent cancer cases for both sexes in the country are breast cancer (24.3 per cent), prostate (14.1 per cent), cervical (10.7 per cent), colorectal (6.4 per cent), and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL) (4.1 per cent). Unfortunately, many died of cancer in Nigeria but were unaware of the disease that caused their death, thus blaming it on poor education and lack of adequate documentation.”
In a presentation, Dr. Usman Waziri, Director of Cancer Prevention and Control, NICRAT, noted that the Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) which causes cervical cancer in females also affects males, stressing that when the girls are vaccinated, the boys are automatically protected when they become sexually active.
He challenged parents to take advantage of the ongoing free HPV vaccine campaign being championed by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to get their female children vaccinated, thereby, protecting them from HPV which is major cause of cervical cancer
Mrs Ayodele Obaro, a UK-based Oncology Nurse, highlighted the importance of well-trained manpower particularly Nurses in the care and treatment of cancer patients. “Oncology Nurses serve as patient first line of communication, and help to co-ordinate many aspects of their care throughout cancer treatment.”
She said that Nurses working in a cancer treatment facilities are integral members of the healthcare team involved in providing holistic care and support to patients and their families throughout the cancer journey.
She insisted that such Nurses are expected to possess a combination of clinical expertise, compassion, and specialized knowledge relevant to cancer care.
She added: “Such Nurses should have strong foundation in clinical skills, notably, administering medication, monitoring vital signs, and providing wound care; such Nurses should also have a solid understanding of various types of cancer, their treatments, and potential side effects.
“She requires high level of empathy and effective communication skills, and must be able to support patients and their families through difficult emotional experiences, provide clear explanations about treatment plans and procedures, and facilitate difficult conversations about prognosis and end-of-life care.
“Oncology Nurses must be able to think and respond quickly to changes in patient condition or treatment plans. This may involve assessing symptoms, evaluating lab results, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to adjust care as needed; additionally, such Nurses must adhere to established protocols and guidelines for safe and effective cancer care. This includes following infection control procedures, adhering to chemotherapy safety protocols, and maintaining accurate documentation.”