For many, especially in Nigeria, a cancer diagnosis is perceived as a death sentence and the financial burden of accessing care as well as the lack of facilities are faster killers than the cancer cells.
There are over 30 types of cancer that have been reported in Nigeria, of the over 120 types of cancer known to the world today. In 2020, Nigeria recorded 124,815 new cases.
Breast cancer makes up 22.7% of the total number of new cases in Nigeria, followed by prostate cancer at 12.2%.
Cancer is the biggest cause of death worldwide and according to the WHO tobacco use, a high BMI, alcohol consumption, a low fruit and vegetable intake, and a lack of physical activity account for almost one-third of cancer deaths.
In 2020, it was estimated that there were a total of 18.1 million cancer cases worldwide and approximately 10 million deaths, accounting for one in every 6 deaths. In Nigeria, for every 10 new cancer cases in 2020, there were 6 deaths.
Cancer prevention is one of the most pressing public health issues of the twenty-first century. Many tumors can be cured if caught early and appropriately treated and healthier life choices can lower the risks of getting many common kinds of cancer.
As the world celebrates World Cancer Day, the theme “Close the Care Gap” is significant especially for countries like Nigeria where there is poor access to healthcare and healthcare costs are still largely out-of-pocket.