The Lagos State branch of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria has called on the government at all levels to close the care gap and make it easier for people diagnosed with cancer to enjoy affordable and accessible services.
As part of activities to mark the 2024 World Cancer Day, the organisation, on Sunday in a statement jointly signed by its President, Secretary, and Publicity Secretary, Dr Funmi Ige; Dr. Ifeoma Ricketts; and Dr. Temitope Omosebi, respectively, the Association also called on the various levels of government to reduce the disparities in cancer incidence and mortality.
The theme for the 2024 World Cancer Day, which is marked every February 4, is: Close the care gap.
The Lagos branch of MWAN noted that World Cancer Day, an International Awareness Day, led by the Union for International Cancer Control, is aimed at raising worldwide attention and inspiring action for a cancer-free world.
The statement read in part, “Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. An estimated 10 million people die of cancer every year. Seventy per cent of these occur in low-to-middle income countries, including Nigeria.
“Meanwhile, over 40 per cent of cancer-related deaths are preventable as they are linked to modifiable risk factors (which are shared with many non-communicable diseases) such as tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, poor diet, and physical inactivity, for stomach cancer. Related News Cancer killed over 700,000 people globally so far in 2024 – Worldometer Cancer killed over 500,000 Africans in 2022 — WHO Namibia’s President, Hage Geingob dies at 82
“Some specific risk factors for cancers include chronic infections from human papillomavirus for cervical cancer; hepatitis B and C for liver cancer; and H.Pylori for stomach cancer.
“Although the picture appears scary, the fact remains that at least one-third of all the deaths related to cancer could be prevented through routine screening and early detection and treatment.
“Millions of lives could be saved each year by implementing resource-appropriate strategies for prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care.”
They, therefore, tasked the government to visibly demonstrate political will to increase funding for cancer research and improve education about cancer.
“Measurable action towards universal health coverage must be taken. There is also the need to strictly regulate the production, sales, and marketing of tobacco, alcohol, and other carcinogenic precipitating products.
“We urge the government to implement routine screening programmes for common cancers; foster patient-centred care; and unequivocally address determinants of health,” the statement added.
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