Nigeria Faces Rising Cancer Burden Over Lifestyle Risks
Medical professionals have raised the alarm over Nigeria's growing cancer crisis, warning that the country is poised to witness a significant increase in diagnosed cases in the coming years.
The rise, they argue, will be driven not only by improved diagnostic and surveillance systems but also by mounting exposure to lifestyle-related risk factors such as unhealthy diets, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity.
The warning comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to bolster the country's cancer care infrastructure. At the inauguration of a newly constructed oncology centre at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, on Thursday, disclosed that Nigeria currently records an estimated 127,000 new cancer cases annually, with approximately 80,000 deaths.
"This is the burden," Pate said. "Non-communicable diseases like cancer are rapidly increasing health threats in Nigeria. They not only cause immense suffering but also place a heavy financial toll on affected families."
As part of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister reaffirmed the government's plan to establish cancer treatment centres across all six geopolitical zones to promote early detection and reduce cancer-related mortality.
However, medical experts suggest that the national cancer burden may be even higher than current figures indicate. According to Dr. Adamu Umar, Chairman of the Oncology and Cancer Care Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association, much of the previous underreporting stemmed from poor diagnostic infrastructure, low public awareness, cultural stigma, and a dearth of trained oncology specialists.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Dr. Umar noted, "The cancer statistics we have today are not a true reflection of what is happening across the country. For every diagnosed case, there are likely hundreds more that go unreported or undetected."
He added that recent investments in diagnostic centres, improved coordination among hospitals, and the work of institutions like the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment are beginning to uncover the actual scale of the crisis. "We are now entering an era where improved data collection, awareness, and access to diagnostic tools will reveal the true magnitude of cancer in our society," Umar said.
He further warned that the anticipated rise in reported cases is not solely a reflection of improved detection, but also a result of escalating exposure to risk factors. "Processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, and a lack of routine checkups are placing more Nigerians at risk-particularly for preventable cancers like prostate, breast, and cervical cancer."
Umar advocated for broader access to affordable healthcare, including at least one free medical checkup annually through the National Health Insurance Scheme. He also emphasized the importance of training more cancer care specialists and decentralizing access to screening and treatment services, especially in rural areas where superstition and misinformation remain widespread.
"Cancer is a monster," he said, "and we need a national commitment to fight it. Early detection is key, and with improved surveillance and awareness, we are finally beginning to understand the true scale of the problem."
Dr. Qudus Lawal, Director of Programmes at the End Cervical Cancer Nigeria Initiative, echoed this sentiment, attributing the rise in reported cases to improved reporting mechanisms and diagnostic equipment. Lawal, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, noted that an increasing number of health facilities now contribute data to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, offering a clearer picture of Nigeria's cancer burden.
"We're seeing more accurate numbers because more sites are reporting cases. But even with that, we still know the figures are underestimated," Lawal said.
He warned that unless lifestyle patterns change, the country should brace for even higher rates of cancer diagnoses. "People are smoking more, drinking more, living sedentary lives, and eating poorly. If we don't reverse these habits, the cancer burden will continue to grow."
Dr. Lawal concluded that while improving diagnostics is critical, it must be paired with preventive strategies such as increased public education, regular screenings, and treatment of pre-cancerous conditions.
"It's not just about reporting numbers," he stressed. "It's about using the data to prevent what we can and manage what we find."