FG: Nigeria records 127,000 annual cancer cases

• Says 7.2% of cases affect children

From Okwe Obi, Abuja

The Federal Government has disclosed that Nigeria records 127,000 cancer cases annually, adding that 7.2% affect children.

The National Coordinator, National Cancer Control Programme, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Uchechukwu Emmanuel Nwokwu, stated this at a public awareness event to commemorate this year’s International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), organised by the Akanimo Cancer Foundation in Abuja on Saturday.

Nwokwu noted that childhood cancer survival rates could reach 80% with early diagnosis, adequate treatment, and financial support.

He explained that children have higher survival rates than adults due to their stronger physiological responses.

Furthermore, he said the government intends to include childhood cancer in Nigeria’s Cancer Health Fund, which would provide financial support for cancer treatment.

He said: “Data is still being collated; however, the current figures indicate that Nigeria records 127,000 cancer cases annually, with children accounting for 7.2%.

“The most common cancers among children are leukaemias. While adults can also have leukaemias, they rank as the fourth most common cancer in adults.”

On her part, the Executive Director of the Akanimo Cancer Foundation, Barr Idara Ekanem, said she established the foundation after losing her son, Akanimo.

Ekanem solicited financial support for cancer treatment, lamenting that cancer treatment was expensive and beyond the reach of most patients.