Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: Cancer

  • Cancer survivor urges FG to establish cancer treatment centers across 774 Local Area Councils

    Cancer survivor urges FG to establish cancer treatment centers across 774 Local Area Councils

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    To ameliorate the menace of cancer ravaging millions of Nigerians, a cancer survivor ,Dr. Jophia Nanker Gupar has called on the Federal Government to urgently establish and equip cancer screening and treatment centers in the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.

    Dr. Gupar, Founder, Pan African Young Women Development Initiative made this call on Sunday at a Thanksgiving service in Abuja, said the cancer centers would facilitate early detection of the disease and save more lives from the terminal ailment.

    Gupar, who survived the pains of stage one Leukemia last stated the need for all tiers of government to improve on the health care system by providing necessary manpower, equipment in hospitals, adding that most health care facilities are poorly equipped to handle cancer and other terminal illnesses.

    While thanking God for her recovery, Gupar said that her journey to recovery was as a result of the combination of early detection and treatment, as well as healthy eating habits with support from family and loved ones.

    She commended the medical personnel at the Ife Facility and said they greatly supported her in the recovery journey.

    Those in attendance at the Thanksgiving service include fNasarawa State former gubernatorial candidate Hon. Matthew Ombugaku, Mrs. Nneoma Rochas Okorocha, Ambassador Fatima Balla, Mrs. Vera Ndanusa, National President of National Youth Council of Nigeria Mr Sukubo gender rights activists, among others.

  • Breaking: FG starts Cancer Fund for indigent patients, to establish 6 Cancer Centers across geopolitical zones

    Breaking: FG starts Cancer Fund for indigent patients, to establish 6 Cancer Centers across geopolitical zones

    … To reduce cost of Cancer drugs by 50%

    5By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    As Nigeria commemorates the 2024 World Cancer Day, the Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa has said that the government has commenced a Cancer Fund for indigent patients and also ready to establish six cancer centers of excellence across the six-geopolitical zone in the country.

    Alausa who disclosed this at the Commemoration of the 2024 World Cancer Day in Abuja said that this is part of government’s efforts in reducing the burden of cancer in the country.

    The minister said , ” Government has also provided a clear governance structure for the Cancer Fund for indigent Nigerians , as it would now be domiciled at National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment ,NICRAT, for effective disbursement to the indigent patients while the Ministry continues to provide oversight.”

    He also revealed that the six cancer centers to be established in the country, would be manned by trained Nigerian biomedical engineers for the maintenance of the cancer equipment as part of procurement agreement and technology transfer.

    “Government has concluded plans to start a new cancer centre in each of the 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria adding that the Ministry has facilitated seamless but procedural access to the fund and eliminated unnecessary associated bottlenecks”, he further stated.

    Meanwhile, the minister of state for health also disclosed that the Federal Government is collaborating with some pharmaceutical companies to reduce the cost of cancer medicines by 50%.

    He said,” in an effort to combat the scourge of cancer, the Ministry is collaborating with various pharmaceutical companies to reduce the cost of cancer chemotherapeutic drugs to ensure that some pharmaceutical companies such as Roche, Pfizer and a host of others provide access to cancer medicines at about 50 percent cost reduction.”

    According to him, this collaboration with pharmaceutical companies is aimed at improving access to Cancer prevention, diagnosis and palliative care.

    He said, “We are reviewing our pharmaceutical laws and regulations to encourage local reproduction by focusing on the pharmaceutical value chain, creating a very robust relationship with the pharmaceutical industry and other relevant stakeholders in the Nigeria Cancer Ecosystem.”

    To commemorate the Cancer Day in Nigeria, Dr. Alausa spoke on the Special insights from the Nigeria’s Healthcare Sector and the Renewed Hope Agenda, with the theme , “Economy, Taxation and Cancer Control: The Exit of Pharmaceutical Companies from Nigeria.

  • Nigeria battles over 120,000 new cancer cases every year- Prof Malami

    Nigeria battles over 120,000 new cancer cases every year- Prof Malami

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, has disclosed that as a way of tackling the over 120,000 new cancer cases every year, as the Institute will intensify cancer awareness and improved access to treatment and research as Nigeria.

    Prof. Malami said that this necessary as Nigeria battles over 120,000 new cases of cancers every year.

    Prof. Malami made this known at the 7th Annual Conference of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ) organized in collaboration with the World Health Organization, WHO, held in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

    Prof. Malami lamented that the statistics of incidences of cancer related deaths is alarming, hence, is unacceptable, adding that the Institute is doing everything possible to halt the prevalence of the disease in the country.

    NICRAT Director General ,represented by Malam Hassan Zaggi, former ANHeJ President revealed that the Institute has mapped out strategies to increase experts in the area of cancer by the training and retraining of different categories of health workers in the country.

    He said, ” Statistics indicate that in 2020, an estimated 78,000 people died as a result of cancer related complications. Out of this number, 44,699 were females while 34,200 were males. It is estimated that there are over 120,000 new cancer cases every year in Nigeria.”

    “With these gory statistics, NICRAT is determined to work with all relevant stakeholders to disrupt cancer in Nigeria through intense awareness creation and improved access to treatment and research.”

    “We have mapped out strategies to geometrically increase cancer experts in the country through training and retraining of all categories of health professionals.”

    “In our commitment and preparedness to disrupt all forms of cancers and ensure those with the illness have access to the best care and support in the country, we recently launched three strategic documents.”

    “The three documents include National Strategic Cancer Control Plan 2023-2027; National cancer Research Agenda 2024-2027 and National Strategic Plan for Prevention of Cancer of Uterine Cervix 2023-2027.”

    “All these documents have priority areas of action that address governance, prevention, supply chain management, data and research as well as surveillance which are in tandem with the aim of the current leadership of the Ministry of Health to improve the health of all Nigerians,” he disclosed.

    He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Government for giving cancer care priority, as demonstrated by the recent movement of the Cancer Trust Fund from the Federal Ministry of Health to NICRAT.”

    This will greatly improve the operation of the Institute to tackle all cancer related issues in the country , he noted.

    According to Prof. Malami, efforts is being made to bring together critical stakeholders in the fight against cancer, the NICRAT.
    “Since my assumption of office over 9 months ago, we have worked hard to lay a solid foundation for Nigeria to join the league of countries that have all the sophistication to control, prevent, treat and conduct cancer research.’

    “With the understanding that cancer care and treatment need multidimensional and multi-sectoral approach, over the past few months, we have built partnerships and alliances with relevant agencies of government including the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA) and Civil Society Organizations , CSOs working in the area of cancer.”

    “We have also engaged in international collaboration to woo reputable global organizations who are into cancer care and research. Very soon, experts in different fields of cancer care will come to Nigeria to discuss areas they can support us.”

    Prof. Malami, therefore, solicited the support of the media, critical stakeholders including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the cancer space so that in the upcoming years, cancer will be disrupted, defeated and eradicated in Nigeria.

    “I implore you to join hands with NICRAT to fight cancer through massive awareness creation. Nigerians must adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent all forms of cancer,” he stressed .

    The NICRAT Director General called on Nigerians to give close attention to their health by visiting the nearest health facility for regular checks.

    “Go for examination whenever they have any abnormal feeling in their bodies, this will present the opportunity to nip any form of illness, including all forms of cancers in the bud to prevent it from escalating,” he said.
    End

  • FG/ FCDA, stakeholders join forces to tackle Cancer in Nigeria


    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Federal Ministry of Health, and the Federal Capital Development Administration, FCDA in conjunction with other stakeholders have joined forces in a multilateral commitment to tackle the prevalence of Cancer in Nigeria.

    This is as Nigeria bears the second-highest burden of cancer cases in Africa, with approximately 124, 000 new cases of cancer each year and about 79,000 deaths.

    Together with stakeholders like Clinton Health Access Initiative and the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, and Cancer Center Challenge Foundation (C/Can) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to address the acute cancer burden in Abuja, Nigeria.

    The multistakeholder commitment, by national and subnational governments, international health organizations and civil society, represents a key milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts against cancer.

    Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Engr, Funso Adebiyi said, “This collective effort strengthens the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a healthier Nigeria by urgently reducing our country’s cancer incidence and mortality.”

    “Given Nigeria’s sizable population within the region, Abuja’s partnership with C/Can carry immense potential for broad-scale impact on our health systems and the health of our population.”

    To ensure the success of the initiative, the city of Abuja has, over the last two years, conducted assessments to inform the development of a strategy to implement the project, culminating effectively in a three-year City Engagement Process, Adesola said.

     
    CEO for C/Can, Isabel Mestres, disclosed that progress has already been made.

    Isabel said, “Throughout 2022, with the support of C/Can, Abuja has undertaken a robust due diligence process to understudy the local cancer landscape which will be followed by the launch of a three-year City Engagement Process.”

     Accordingly, the C/Can City Engagement Process will be led by a local governance body, the City Executive Committee, with the support of a dedicated city manager, to engage stakeholders in identifying needs, and implementing locally created cancer care solutions, she explained.

    CEO of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, noted that partnership with C/ Can Abuja’ s cancer center can achieve the much-needed transformation.

    Executive Vice President of Clinton Health Access Initiative of Nigeria, Owens Wiwa , in a like manner said that partnership with C/Can would bring about progress in cancer care for Abuja residents and Nigerians.

  • WHO: Cancer Kills 700,000 Africans Annually

    WHO: Cancer Kills 700,000 Africans Annually

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) says approximately 1.1 million new cancer cases occur each year in Africa, with about 700,000 deaths.

    WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, stated this Sunday in her statement to mark this year’s World Cancer Day themed ‘Close the Care Gap: Uniting Our Voices and Taking Action.’

    She said current projections showed that Africa would account for nearly 50 percent of the global childhood cancer burden by 2050.

    Moeti said with significant data challenges, childhood cancer incidence in sub-Saharan Africa was estimated at 56.3 per million population.

    According to her, data estimates show a considerable increase in cancer mortality to nearly one million deaths per year by 2030, without urgent and bold interventions.

    She said: “We should recall that the most common cancers in adults include breast (16.5%), cervical (13.1%), prostate (9.4%), Colorectal (6%), and liver (4.6%) cancers, contributing to nearly half of the new cancer cases.”

    Moeti said 12 countries in the region had valid National Cancer Control Plans.

    She said the WHO was supporting 11 additional countries in developing or updating their National Cancer Control Plans aligned to the global cancer initiatives coupled with the presence of governance structures at the government level to implement cancer plans.

    She said it was gratifying to note the steady increase of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination national introduction by 51 percent of countries in the region, although coverage remained concerning at 21 percent.

    Moeti said despite these achievements, stumbling blocks remain on the continent’s path, including low availability of population-based cancer registries, limited health promotion, inadequate access to primary prevention and early detection services, scarcity of diagnostic facilities that increase delays in diagnosis and treatment, among others.

    She called on governments to develop/update national cancer control plans, provide sustainable financing and invest in cancer registration.

  • 10m People Died of Cancer in 2021 – WHO

    10m People Died of Cancer in 2021 – WHO

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) says 10 million people died of cancer in 2021.

    In a statement issued to commemorate the World Cancer Day 2022 themed ‘Closing the Care Gap’, the WHO described cancer as one of the world’s leading causes of death.

    It said in 2021, “an estimated 20 million people were diagnosed with cancer, and 10 million died”.

    The organisation, while noting that all cancers can be prevented or cured, said the numbers will continue to rise in the decades ahead if adequate measures are not taken to improve treatment.

    “Care for cancer, however, like so many other diseases, reflects the inequalities and inequities of our world,” the statement reads.

    “The clearest distinction is between high- and low-income countries, with comprehensive treatment reportedly available in more than 90% of high-income countries but less than 15% of low-income countries.

    “Similarly, the survival of children diagnosed with cancer is more than 80% in high-income countries, and less than 30% in low- and middle-income countries. And breast cancer survival five years after diagnosis now exceeds 80% in most high-income countries, compared with 66% in India and just 40% in South Africa.

    “Furthermore, a recent WHO survey found that cancer services are covered by a country’s largest, government health financing scheme in an estimated 37% of low- and middle-income countries, compared to at least 78% of high-income countries. This means that a cancer diagnosis has the potential to push families into poverty, particularly in lower-income countries, an effect that has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “WHO’s efforts are focused on breast cancer, now the most common cancer; cervical cancer, which can be eliminated; and childhood cancer. The focus for each of these initiatives is low- and middle-income countries, where the biggest public health gains are to be made.

    “These integrated global cancer initiatives are being implemented by more than 200 partners around the world, including many development banks who have significantly increased their investments in cancer research, prevention and care.

    “Bringing services for prevention, diagnosis, multidisciplinary treatment and supportive care together in one place makes it easier for patients to navigate services and leads to a greater concentration of expertise, and subsequently better health outcomes.”

  • Researchers detect newly eight cancer-causing substances in Humans

    Researchers detect newly eight cancer-causing substances in Humans

    Chronic bacterial infection, a flame retardant, and six water disinfection byproducts

    Eight substances, including a chronic bacterial infection, a flame retardant, and six water disinfection byproducts, have been added to the Report on Carcinogens, by researchers bringing the total list to 256 substances known, or reasonably anticipated, to cause cancer in humans.

    The 15th Report on Carcinogens, which is a cumulative report, mandated by the United States Congress and prepared by the National Toxicology Programme (NTP) for the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, was published, yesterday, in the journal Nature.

    Release of the report coincides with the 50th anniversary of the U.S. National Cancer Act of 1971, which initiated the nation’s war on cancer.

    n the new report, chronic infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is listed as a human carcinogen. The flame-retardant chemical, antimony trioxide, and six haloacetic acids (HAAs) found as water disinfection byproducts are anticipated to be carcinogenic.

    Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and NTP, Dr. Rick Woychik, said: “Cancer affects almost everyone’s life, either directly or indirectly. As the identification of carcinogens is a key step in cancer prevention, publication of the report represents an important government activity towards improving public health.”

    The Report on Carcinogens identifies many different environmental factors, collectively called substances, including chemicals; infectious agents, such as viruses; physical agents, such as X-rays and ultraviolet radiation; and exposure scenarios. A substance is listed as either known to be a human carcinogen or reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen, to indicate the potential hazard.

    The report does not include estimates of cancer risk because many factors affect whether a person will or will not develop cancer. These include the carcinogenic potency of the substance, the level and duration of exposure, and an individual’s susceptibility to the carcinogenic action of the substance.

    Helictobacter pylori is a bacterium that colonises the stomach and can cause gastritis and peptic ulcers. Most people do not show symptoms. Chronic infection may lead to stomach cancer and a rare type of stomach lymphoma. Infection primarily occurs from person-to-person contact, especially in crowded housing conditions, and may occur by drinking well water contaminated with H. pylori.

    People living in poverty and certain racial, ethnic, and immigrant groups are disproportionately affected by H. pylori infection. Treatment of infected people who have stomach ulcers or signs of stomach infection can decrease their risk of cancer.

    Antimony trioxide is primarily used as a component of flame-retardants in plastics, textiles, and other consumer products. Highest exposure occurs among workers who produce the substance or use it to make flame retardants.

    Other people are potentially exposed to low levels of antimony trioxide from breathing contaminated outdoor air or dust from the wear and tear of flame-retardant-treated consumer products, such as carpets and furniture. State and federal agencies limit exposure to the substance in the workplace and the environment through regulation.

    Water treatment removes contaminants and disease-causing agents from drinking water. HAAs are formed during the disinfection of water from a reaction between the chlorine-based disinfection agents and organic matter in the source water.

    According to the report, approximately 250 million U.S. residents use community water systems and are potentially exposed to HAAs in disinfected water. Municipal water systems monitor for some HAAs. Improvements in disinfection technology, such as filtration methods, can reduce the levels of HAAs in drinking water.

    The following six HAAs are included in the report: Bromochloroacetic acid (BCA); Bromodichloroacetic acid (BDCA); Chlorodibromoacetic acid (CDBA); Dibromoacetic acid (DBA); Dichloroacetic acid (DCA); and Tribromoacetic acid (TBA).

  • African region records 846,000 Cancer cases- WHO

    African region records 846,000 Cancer cases- WHO

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

     As the world commemorates the 2021 World Cancer Day, WHO  has announced that the African region has recorded a double figure of 846,000 cases of cancer from  338,000 çases reported in 2002.

    This was announced in a message by WHO  Regional Director, Dr Mathsidiso Moeti to commemorate the day today with the theme, ” I am and I will “.

    Moeti said, ” Over 20 years , new cancer cases have more than doubled in the African Region from 338,000 cases reported in 2002 to almost 846,000 cases in 2020.”

    According to her the most common forms are cancers of the breast, cervix, prostate, bowel, colon, rectum and liver. With  risk factors including older age and family history, use of tobacco and alcohol, a diet high in sugar, salt and fat, physical inactivity, being overweight, and exposure to specific chemicals, among others. 

    WHO also decries industry interference contributing to the growing challenge of cancer such as  promotion and marketing of known cancer-causing products, such as tobacco.

    As a way out of the cancer burden in the region, fourth -four countries have so far ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control towards reducing tobacco use and 29 countries have ratified the WHO Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, WHO announced.

    WHO further noted that many African communities  bear high burden of cervical cancer where people have limited access to cancer screening and early detection, diagnosis and treatment, adding that challenges to treatment are further compounded particularly with the current COVID-19 pandemic.

    To accelerated the elimination of cervical cancer in Africa, Moeti said that some countries like Eswatini, Guinea, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia are scaling – up comprehensive cervical cancer programmes through the World Health Assembly  Global strategy.

    WHO  finally called on countries to integrate cancer services such as pain relief into their Universal Health Coverage, and particularly that all countries have a role to play in reducing stigma around cancer, improving understanding of this disease and encouraging people to seek early screening and care.

  • Kebbi Govt. restates commitment to cancer control programmes

    Kebbi Govt. restates commitment to cancer control programmes

    The Kebbi State Government on Wednesday said it has adopted proactive campaign strategies to enhance awareness creation on cancer to encourage early detection and treatment of the disease.
    Mr Yahaya Sarki, the Special Adviser on Media to Gov. Atiku Bagudu, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that the state government had set up a cancer registry and provided fund to facilitate treatment of the disease.
    Sarki disclosed that the state government had also signed agreement with major drug firms to enhance access quality treatment of the disease.
    He added that about 62 patients accessed the N10 million Indigent Cancer Fund initiated by the state government.
    The governor’s noted that the state had achieved feat in cancer control activities, saying additional programmes would be unveiled to enhance treatment of the disease .
    “Indeed; the state has benefited from outstanding advocacy and activism on cancer by the wife of the governor, Dr. Zainab Bagudu, who is the Director of the Union for International Cancer Control.
    “The chemotherapy ward set up at the Medical Centre is in the final stage of completion.
    “The laboratory is also upgraded to diagnose cancer to check frequent travelling by patients to other places for treatment.
    ” An outstanding contract sums from the previous administration to the tune of N200 million has been paid to facilitate completion of radiology unit in Kalgo, procurement of equipment and completion of site preparation,” he said.
    According to him, the gesture was part of the state government’s efforts to support cancer patients and enhance quality healthcare service delivery to the people.
    He further commended President Muhammadu Buhari over the introduction of cancer treatment programmes designed to control the disease in the country.

  • NMA urges NASS to enact national cancer policy law

    NMA urges NASS to enact national cancer policy law

    The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), has urged the National Assembly (NASS), to enact a law on the formulation of policies on cancer to help curb spread of the scourge in Nigeria.

    Dr Francis Faduyile, the President of NMA, said this during an advocacy visit to the Chairman, House Committee on Healthcare Services, Hon. Yusuf Sununu, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Faduyile pleaded with the national assembly to pursue a bill that would create a policy that would help patients suffering from the disease and also drive sensitisation on preventive measures.

    He said that the policy was expected to give patients the right to diagnosis and access to treatment in the National Health Act.

    The NMA president said that cancer had continued to ravage Nigerians because they lacked access to early diagnosis and treatment.

    He further urged the lawmakers to help in the inclusion of cancer treatment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), noting that cancer care remained the most expensive in the country.

    He, however, lauded the National Assembly for initiating a bill on health service delivery, stating that the current legislators had so many great bills on healthcare to their credit.

    Responding, Sununu, noted that the concerns raised by the NMA leadership on cancer were genuine, assuring the association that the current NASS would tackle all the issues through the enactment of appropriate laws.

    The chairman, who recalled how he lost his father to the dreaded disease, said: “I know how extensive it is and it is something that needs serious attention.”

    He called on stakeholders to come up with suggestions on how to help tackle the scourge, noting that preventive measures remained the most effective in curbing the menace.

    Sununu disclosed that a bill for the registration of a cancer care centre in the country, had already been presented in the House, and called on NMA to partner with NASS to ensure the success of the bill.

    The News agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that today is World Cancer Day with the theme; “I am and I will for cancer Day”