By Hassan Hussain
The Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria, ARCON, has called on the federal government to increase funding, improve infrastructure and strengthen policies to enhance cancer care in the country.
The Acting President of ARCON, Dr. Biyi Olutunde Olusegun, made the call on Saturday in Abuja at a media briefing ahead of the Association’s 9th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference.
Dr. Olusegun said the conference, themed “From Access to Excellence: Optimising Multimodality Cancer Care,” would focus on moving Nigeria’s cancer care beyond awareness and access to quality and timely treatment.
He said the meeting would bring together oncologists, researchers, residents and allied health professionals to deliberate on advances in radiotherapy, precision medicine, multidisciplinary cancer care, equity in cancer treatment, research, palliative care and survivorship.
The ARCON President noted that Nigeria had recorded progress in cancer management, particularly with the expansion of treatment centres and improved access to some cancer medicines, but added that more needed to be done.
He welcomed the inclusion of radiotherapy under the National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA, saying the development would reduce the financial burden on patients and minimise delays in treatment.
Dr. Olusegun, however, urged the government to increase healthcare funding, strengthen hospitals and training institutions, and provide incentives such as reduced import duties on cancer-care equipment.
He also called for easier access to financing for healthcare providers and simpler processes for establishing radiotherapy and brachytherapy centres across the country.
According to him, ARCON would continue to partner with the government in identifying gaps in cancer care and contributing to policies aimed at improving the health sector.
On the message of hope for cancer patients, Dr. Olusegun said cancer is treatable, particularly when detected and treated early.
He urged Nigerians to seek medical attention promptly whenever they noticed suspicious symptoms, warning that fear and delays in seeking orthodox treatment could worsen the disease.
The ARCON Acting President encouraged Nigerians to enrol in the National Health Insurance Authority scheme to access cancer treatment at reduced costs.
He said patients should also seek care from qualified oncology professionals, stressing that there is hope for people living with cancer through cure, disease management, prolonged survival and relief from suffering.
The Editor-in-Chief of the Association of Cancer Registries of Nigeria, ACRON, Dr. Jimeta Tuko Jummai, urged the media to intensify public enlightenment on cancer and take the message of hope, prevention and early detection to Nigerians at the grassroots.
She described the media as a strong partner in cancer advocacy, noting that radio and television stations have the capacity to reach communities and audiences that health organisations may not easily access.
She cited the popularity of radio stations such as Wazobia FM and television platforms including AIT, among others, as important channels for disseminating accurate information on cancer.
Dr. Jummai also commended media organisations that dedicate programmes to cancer awareness, saying such initiatives can help promote early detection, prevention and access to appropriate care.
She called on media practitioners to remain proactive partners in spreading the message of hope and helping to reduce the burden and cost of cancer care in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Secretary General of ARCON, Mr. Bolaji Salako, stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment to ensure that cancer awareness campaigns go beyond mere events, but provide Nigerians with practical and reliable information.
