The Association of Radiation Oncologists of Nigeria (ARCON) has appealed to the Federal Government to expand the number of cancer treatment centres nationwide to better respond to the rising burden of the disease.
Dr. Nwamaka Lasebikan, President of ARCON, made the call during the opening ceremony of the association’s 8th Annual Scientific Conference and General Meeting in Port Harcourt.
Themed “Innovating Through Collaboration: Cultivating a Resilient Nigerian Oncology Ecosystem”, the event brought together medical specialists, survivors, and advocates in the fight against cancer.
Lasebikan explained that having more cancer centres across the country would enhance access to treatment and significantly reduce the growing number of cases and deaths linked to the illness.
“We must rethink cancer in Nigeria. Our goal is to build a resilient, inclusive, and people-focused oncology ecosystem,” she said.
She further urged government to boost funding for the Cancer Health Fund (CHF), which currently supports treatment for breast, cervical, and prostate cancers but remains inconsistent and underfunded.
According to her, the government needs to redesign its financing strategy and invest in hospitals that treat cancer patients to prevent them from facing financial ruin.
“Cancer care is expensive everywhere in the world, but Nigeria must step up efforts to cushion the burden on its citizens,” she stressed.
She also called for a stronger alignment of science, policy, economics, and enterprise to achieve lasting solutions.
Lasebikan emphasised the importance of listening to survivors and advocates, particularly in areas of post-treatment care and mental health support.
She noted that government investment in regulatory platforms and affordable treatment would go a long way in making cancer care more accessible.
She also encouraged Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles such as avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, eating balanced diets, and staying physically active as preventive measures.
Dr. Olusegun Biyi-Olutunde, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, acknowledged existing government interventions but described them as insufficient.
He pointed out the acute shortage of treatment and radiotherapy centres nationwide, insisting that urgent investments are necessary.
Biyi-Olutunde stressed that every state should have at least one radiotherapy centre, saying citizens’ lives must be prioritised through meaningful investment in cancer infrastructure.
The five-day conference concluded with plenary sessions exploring innovations in oncology, including the use of Artificial Intelligence, the business of cancer care, and how climate change intersects with cancer management.