Late Diagnosis, Misinformation Threaten Nigeria’s Cancer Fight — NCCP Coordinator
Nigeria’s efforts to reduce cancer mortality are being compromised by late diagnoses, delayed treatments, and a lack of accurate information regarding the disease, according to Dr. Uchechukwu Emmanuel Nwokwu, National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) within the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja.
Speaking on September 2, 2026, during a session with 16 fellows of Sebeccly’s 2026 Naija Cancer Watch Fellowship, Dr. Nwokwu outlined key challenges facing cancer care in Nigeria and ongoing government initiatives aimed at enhancing access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Dr. Nwokwu identified late presentation as a critical issue in Nigeria’s oncology landscape, with many patients typically beginning treatment only after their illness has progressed significantly. “We have challenges with late diagnosis,” he noted, emphasizing that many individuals seek care at advanced stages of the disease.
Misinformation and misconceptions about cancer, he argued, contribute to this problem, as they often deter individuals from pursuing screenings or seeking timely medical advice. “The kind of information out there makes people wish it away rather than go for screening,” he explained.
He also addressed the intersection of faith and medical treatment, advising that while spirituality plays an important role for many Nigerians, it should not replace necessary medical interventions. “When they go for screening and test positive, some individuals prefer to rely on prayer rather than medical treatment,” Dr. Nwokwu stated. He cautioned that this approach could worsen a patient’s condition as the disease advances.
Another significant barrier to early detection, according to Dr. Nwokwu, is the limited access to cancer screening and diagnostic services, which tend to be concentrated in tertiary hospitals and urban centers. Many residents of rural and underserved areas face considerable travel challenges to obtain screening. “Patients may have to journey for days just to access necessary services,” he remarked.
He advocated for the enhancement of cancer screening and diagnostic services at secondary and primary healthcare levels, allowing for early detection and appropriate referrals to specialized care when necessary. The Federal Government is reportedly aware of these systemic gaps and is working within available resources to bolster its response to cancer.
Dr. Nwokwu indicated that the NCCP was created to formulate and implement policies aimed at addressing Nigeria’s cancer burden. He revealed that the Federal Government has developed a new National Cancer Control Plan for the years 2026 to 2030, following earlier plans from 2008-2013 and 2018-2022. He acknowledged that previous plans were not fully realized, committing to more robust implementation of the current strategy.
He detailed that the new plan encompasses ten strategic pillars, including risk assessment, vaccination, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Efforts in cancer prevention now include exploring digital health technologies and artificial intelligence to better identify individuals at risk of developing cancer.
“Discussions are ongoing with AI developers to analyze existing data for the potential early identification of at-risk populations, even years before the disease manifests,” Dr. Nwokwu explained.
The government is also focused on enhancing diagnostic capabilities and expanding cancer infrastructure throughout the country. Additionally, it is addressing social and financial obstacles that prevent patients from accessing necessary care.
The Federal Government launched a cancer care support initiative in 2026, which has already provided funding for more than 175 patients to help cover non-medical needs, such as food and transportation. More than 700 patients have registered for the program, which aims to assist them in obtaining care at both public and private healthcare facilities.
Dr. Nwokwu noted, “Our goal is to ensure that every cancer patient who encounters non-medical barriers receives the support necessary to start or complete their treatment.”
Additionally, a patient navigation program is set to be introduced to assist cancer patients in navigating the healthcare system, particularly those facing challenges with hospital processes. The program will be piloted in approximately 12 hospitals, with the involvement of non-governmental organizations to facilitate its implementation.
Addressing the shortage of skilled personnel in the oncology field, Dr. Nwokwu emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening human resources within the sector, extending its focus beyond oncologists to include various specialists such as radiotherapists, laboratory scientists, oncology pharmacists, oncology nurses, and psycho-oncologists.
He expressed optimism that the effective execution of the 2026-2030 National Cancer Control Plan could substantially enhance Nigeria’s oncology capacity by the year 2030. “While we may not be where we want to be, we are taking steady steps to bridge the existing gaps,” Dr. Nwokwu concluded.
