Medical professionals and cancer advocates have expressed concern over the rising incidence of childhood cancer in Nigeria, calling on the government to improve financial and medical assistance for affected children.
During an event in Abuja on Saturday marking the 2025 International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), the National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Programme, Dr. Uchechukwu Nwokwu, at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, revealed that children account for 7.2% of the 127,000 cancer cases recorded in Nigeria each year.
Nwokwu mentioned that while data collection is ongoing, current figures show that Nigeria reports approximately 127,000 cancer cases annually, with children accounting for 7.2% of these cases.
He highlighted that detecting childhood cancer early and providing appropriate treatment could raise survival rates to 80%. He further explained that leukemia is the most prevalent cancer among children. Although leukemia also occurs in adults, it is the fourth most common type in that age group.
Nwokwu also revealed that steps are being taken to include childhood cancer treatment in Nigeria’s Cancer Health Fund, a government-supported program that offers financial aid for cancer treatment.
He stated that if this initiative succeeds, impacted children will have access to essential medical care without financial barriers.
Dr. Idorenyin Usoh, the Abuja Coordinator of the Akanimo Cancer Foundation, emphasized the importance of raising awareness among both healthcare professionals and parents.
She stated that both medical professionals and parents often overlook the possibility of cancer in children, resulting in frequent misdiagnoses and delayed treatment.
Mrs. Idara Ekanem, the Founder and Executive Director of the Akanimo Cancer Foundation, emphasized similar concerns, drawing attention to the high financial cost of cancer treatment.
“The expenses associated with cancer treatment are staggering, making it difficult for many families to afford even essential diagnostic tests, not to mention chemotherapy, surgery, or radiotherapy,” she stated.
Ekanem, who founded the organization following the loss of her son, Akanimo, to cancer, stated that the foundation supports treatment and research while striving to increase awareness throughout Nigeria.
