๐ช๐ผ๐ฟ๐น๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐, ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฑ: ๐จ๐ป๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ ๐จ๐ป๐ถ๐พ๐๐ฒ
Cancer remains a major global health challenge, affecting millions of lives each year. It is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with approximately 9.7 million cancer-related deaths in 2022. By 2040, new cancer cases are projected to rise to 29.9 million annually, exerting immense pressure on healthcare systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries (World Health Organization [WHO], 2025).
In Nigeria, cancer is a significant public health concern. The most common cancers affecting Nigerians include breast, cervical, prostate, liver, and colorectal cancers. Recent statistics estimate that over 124,000 new cancer cases occur annually in Nigeria, with more than 78,000 deaths, reflecting the urgent need for improved prevention, early detection, and treatment services (International Agency for Research on Cancer [IARC], 2024).
๐ฅ๐ถ๐๐ธ ๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
Cancer can result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, obesity, physical inactivity, exposure to radiation, and viral infections (e.g., HPV and Hepatitis B) contribute significantly to cancer incidence. The WHO estimates that reducing exposure to these risk factors could prevent over 40% of cancer cases globally (WHO, 2025).
๐ฆ๐ถ๐ด๐ป๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐น๐ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
Early detection is crucial for improving survival rates. Key warning signs include unusual lumps or swelling, unexplained weight loss, persistent cough or difficulty swallowing, abnormal bleeding, chronic fatigue, changes in bowel habits, and skin changes such as new or altered moles (National Cancer Institute [NCI], 2024).
Individuals experiencing any persistent or unexplained symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.
๐๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป: ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ
On this World Cancer Day, we join the global movement to raise awareness and advocate for stronger cancer prevention and treatment strategies. Efforts must focus on:
Expanding cancer screening and early detection programs Improving access to affordable and quality cancer treatment Enhancing public awareness on cancer prevention and healthy lifestyle choices Strengthening Nigeriaโs healthcare infrastructure to support cancer care and research๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ, ๐๐ฏ๐๐ท๐ฎ, we remain committed to supporting research, evaluation, and training initiatives that contribute to improved health outcomes. Let us unite in the fight against cancer and work towards a future where quality cancer care is accessible to all.