The Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria (ARCON) has called for collaboration among stakeholders in the cancer space to reduce the burden of the disease in Nigeria.
ARCON made the call in commemoration of the 2025 World Cancer Day with the theme, “United by Unique.”
World Cancer Day is an international day marked on February 4, annually, to raise awareness about cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment.
The association’s National President, Dr. Nwamaka Lasebikan, in a statement on Tuesday, said the fight against cancer is a shared responsibility and she believes that by working together, the nation can create a future where every Nigerian has access to early detection, quality treatment and support.
Lasebikan said, “We encourage the government to continue investing in oncology infrastructure and workforce development; the private sector should support innovative cancer care solutions through partnerships and funding.
“Communities and advocacy groups should help spread awareness and encourage preventive care and the media to continue to play a key role in providing accurate information on cancer risks, symptoms, and treatment options.”
She further said the association is committed to leading with expertise, compassion and innovation, adding that the association was constantly seeking key stakeholders and partners to join in reshaping the future of cancer care in Nigeria.
According to her, cancer is not just a health issue but a societal challenge that affects individuals, families and communities in profound ways; therefore, there is a need for continued collaboration.
“Each patient’s experience was unique, shaped by personal, cultural and economic factors. Yet, through collaboration, expertise and innovation, we can unite to improve early detection, treatment accessibility and survival outcomes.
“Cancer remains a growing public health challenge in Nigeria, with an estimated more than 120,000 new cases annually and a high rate of late-stage diagnoses.”
The NARCON boss further attributed the increasing numbers to limited awareness and screening opportunities, leading to delayed diagnosis and gaps in treatment infrastructure, with only 10 facilities offering radiotherapy nationwide.
She also identified the high cost of cancer care, which placed an enormous financial burden on patients and their families, as a factor, while there was an alarming shortage of trained oncology professionals, making timely and specialised care harder to access.
Lasebika added there is hope as Nigeria’s oncology landscape is evolving, and ARCON, along with critical stakeholders, is driving innovative solutions that enhance cancer care delivery across the country.
She asserted that the solutions were through early detection and awareness by advocating for nationwide cancer screening programs to promote early diagnosis.
The president further listed enhancing access to quality treatment by supporting policies that increase investment in radiotherapy centres and oncology units.
“Encouraging public-private partnerships to make advanced treatments more widely available and promoting the adoption of innovative technologies to improve treatment accuracy and effectiveness.
“Strengthening Nigeria’s oncology workforce by advocating for more training of clinical oncologists and other healthcare workers involved in delivering cancer care.”
She added that the theme was a reminder that while every cancer journey was personal, collective efforts could lead to meaningful change.
