From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
A global cancer advocacy group, Project PINK BLUE, has advocated procurement and deployment of state-of-the-art equipments with advanced technologies that will enhance early cancer detection, prevention and treatment, thus saving millions of lives that are lost to cancer, annually.
The suggestion was made at a five-kilometre walk in Abuja, to mark the 2025 World Cancer Day with the theme, “United by unique” which witnessed large participation of stakeholders from across the country who are involved in cancer response including doctors, nurses and other service providers along the value chain.
The organisation said such intervention will enhance precision in drug prescription, targeted therapy and medical equipment instead of just building hospitals facilities, stressing that building beautiful cancer hospitals is good, but cannot save cancer patients neither will it reduce the burden of cancer in Nigeria nor give cancer patients the best treatment.
Runcie Chidebe, executive director of Project PINK BLUE, said: “We need excellent cancer equipment such as PET CT Scans, brachytherapy, and newer radiotherapy machines that can be used to detect and treat patients excellently.
“It is these state-of-the-art equipment and advanced medicines such as precision medicine including targeted therapy that can target the cancerous tumour that is most needed in Nigeria.
“It is also the empowerment of the cancer workforce such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, pathologists and other professionals who would operate the machine and prescribe the medicines that would save cancer patients.”
He suggested that instead of just raising a building, the government and private sector partners should invest in the existing cancer centres and hospitals, and use the budget for blocks and aluminium to purchase the state-of-the-art equipment, precision medicine, advanced medicines and workforce.
Chidebe added: “Since 2015, we have been mobilising and bringing people together to raise awareness and advocate for better cancer care in Nigeria. For the past 10 years, we have brought together about 20,000 Nigerians to our annual awareness walk, provided over 5,000 cancer screenings and supported over 500 cancer patients.
“We have also propelled advocacies that have led to improvement of government policies for better cancer control, including the advocacy for the establishment of the National Institute on Cancer Treatment and Research (NICRAT) and Cancer Health Fund.”
Gloria Okwu, a breast cancer survivor and Programme Coordinator of Project PINK BLUE, in her remarks said, “as a cancer survivor myself, this year’s theme resonates with me greatly. It means that cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis. Cancer is a deeply personal matter, and behind every diagnosis lies a unique human story. This could be a story of grief, pain, healing, resilience, love and otherwise.
“For this reason, every cancer is unique, and we must be united to create a world where we look beyond the disease and see the person before the patient. Hence, the government and all partners in cancer care and treatment should adopt a patient-centred approach to cancer care and treatment and not a one-size-fits-all approach.”
Dr. Ukoma Chikadiba, vice president, said Nigerian Cancer Society has been involved in the advocacy and care for cancer.
He appreciated the efforts of Project PINK BLUE and recommended the rising of individuals and organisations with interest in cancer advocacy and care, stressing the importance of advanced equipment and adequate remuneration for the health care workers offering the necessary care.
