Cancer goes beyond having an abnormal growth in any part of the body: It is a serious health condition that occurs when normal cells multiply and begin to spread rapidly when invaded by any malignant growth or tumor.
Millions of people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), suffer from cancer. The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment captures this perception about cancer in Nigeria. It found that the cancer mortality ratio in Nigeria is alarmingly high compared to other nations.
The upshot, estimated to be about 80,000 death cases recorded each year, has generated debate, community campaigns, and awareness. But what could be the risk factors? What challenges are involved in getting adequate treatment? What treatment initiatives are available in Nigeria? This explainer breaks it down.
Symptoms of cancer
According to experts, cancer shows up differently for everyone, but there are some tell-tale signs. Some are general, and could affect any part of the body, or the whole body. Mouth or tongue ulcer that lasts longer than 3weeks, unexplained bruising, or an unusual lump (swelling) anywhere on the body often top the list.
But it doesn’t end there. If there’s one thing people are scared of, it’s being conscious of the fact that out of the over 200 different types of cancer, which all have different signs and symptoms, spotting cancer at an early stage means treatment is more likely to be successful.
In simple terms, it means the symptoms won’t always be painful nor will it affect one’s day-to-day life, especially in the early stages.
Risk factors linked to cancer
According to Dr Abdulmumin Yakubu, a seasoned medical practitioner, currently serving as the senior registrar at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, cancer doesn’t come out of nowhere.
Several factors, including hormones, lifestyle choices, and things in the environment, can increase the chances of developing it. “Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, poor diet, and obesity can lead to cancer.”
Dr Yakubu referenced the newfound consideration for inherited genetic mutations, and also disclosed how our immediate environment plays a determinant factor. The case, he said, is due to industrialization, which causes exposure to environmental toxins like asbestos, pesticides, and radon.
In medical parlance, certain infections like human papilloma virus (HPV) and hepatitis B and C viruses can cause cancer. It’s rarely just one factor; unfortunately, it’s often a mix of several consequences.
Effects of stigmatization
While trying to make sense of what’s happening to them, the thoughts of those affected latch next to the stigmatization and religious or cultural beliefs that significantly impact cancer detection and treatment, particularly for women.
According to Dr Yakubu, there are very real possibilities that delayed diagnosis and treatment could be linked to fear of rejection, social judgement, or even shame. “It increases emotional distress and also creates misconceptions about cancer,” he noted.
Dr Yakubu said that it leads to a newfound trend common among those unwilling to seek medical care, disclose their symptoms, or even adhere to treatment.
Our reporter understands that, sometimes, religious or cultural beliefs offer less succour to those holding hope for recovery.
Challenges involved
Amid the widespread use of cancer, which coincides with a 61% increase projection published in September 2025 by Lancet—a medical journal—about the 30.5 million people estimated worldwide for diagnosis by 2050, lies a greater concern.
Dr Yakubu pointed out that beyond the late-stage diagnosis of patients, which mostly occurs due to limited access to screening services, particularly in rural areas, the onus lies on the government.
Speaking on the government’s efforts, Dr Yakubu identified the inadequacy linked with the low budget allocation for cancer care. He told WikkiTimes that with the N150million budgeted for the Cancer Health Fund in 2025, access to quality care might remain a long-held hope.
Another concern raised borders on the high treatment costs. “Cancer treatment is expensive, and many Nigerians cannot afford it, with chemotherapy drugs costing between N600,000 and N1,500,000 per dose,” Dr Yakubu lamented.
Way forward
Although many factors influence cancer risk, the good news is that it can be curtailed. To prevent cancer, Dr Yakubu recommends chemotherapy, radiotherapy, bone marrow transplants and immunotherapy.
He advised that community-based initiatives should be held in partnership with local organizations to promote cancer awareness. According to him, when implemented with relevant policies, equitable access to care is guaranteed. Such, he said, would foster trust and rapport with patients, and promote early detection.
Dr Yakubu further called for subsidized treatment costs, especially for those who cannot afford treatment, suggesting a possible need for negotiation with pharmaceutical companies to reduce the prices of drugs.
“Cancer treatment should be included in the benefits received from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients,” Dr Yakubu urged.
For resource utilization, Dr Yakubu highlighted the need for improved data collection to make informed policy decisions and improve cancer care outcomes.
He added that tracking trends, incidence, and mortality rates, alongside training of healthcare professionals would strengthen our national response to cancer.
