‘One stop comprehensive cancer centre can reduce death rate by 25%’

Project Pink Blue, a Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO) promoting cancer awareness and management, has called on the Federal Government to invest in a one stop comprehensive cancer care in the country which could reduce cancer mortality rate by at least 25 percent.

The walk, race, cycle, ride, skate and marathon against cancer organised by the NGO, took place in Abuja on February 4, in commemoration of the World Cancer Day. The event saw over 2000 Nigerians come out in support to raise awareness, promote early detection of cancer and raise funds for cancer patients in Nigeria.

“National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) should cover cancer treatment and the Nigeria’s National Cancer Control Plan should be budgeted for and implemented. We could prevent cancer death by 25%” said Runcie Chidebe, executive director of Project PINK BLUE, the convener of the Walk against cancer.

Runcie stated that 65 per cent of cancer deaths occur in low and middle income countries like Nigeria. In Nigeria alone, over 102,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year and many of them cannot afford cancer care and treatment.

“We also want to urge the Nigerian government to invest in cancer care and make cancer a health priority. ‘I am appealing to all Nigerians to please go for screenings regularly and make it a routine,”’ Chidebe said.

Also commenting on the awareness exercise, Joe Okei-Odumakin, a women’s right activist and president of Women Arise said that Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide. A World Health Organisation (WHO) reports indicate that over 80,000 Nigerians die of cancer annually.

“We must all give cancer care and treatment a priority, it is only a healthy people that can build a more robust economy, a secured nation, a powerful country and the giant of Africa that we all desire.

“If we allow cancer to continue to take aware our mentors, fathers, mothers and children, then we are preparing ourselves for failure,” Okei-Odumakin said.

Sadiq Daba, a veteran broadcaster with Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) showed support by participating in the awareness and appreciated Nigerians for their donations.

In his words, “I want to use this amazing opportunity to thank Nigerians who donated for my cancer treatment; today, I am alive because of your donation. Please let’s not close our eyes to millions of Nigerians passing through a battle with cancer. Nigerian government needs to improve cancer care in Nigeria and make treatment available in Nigeria,” Daba said.

Project PINK BLUE is a community-based cancer non-profit with focus on cancer awareness, free screening for rural hard-to-reach communities and poor women to phase-out late diagnosis of cancer and to reduce the incidence of cancer in Nigeria.

ANTHONIA OBOKOH