To transform breast cancer treatment in Nigeria, the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), together with Roche and Oncopadi Technologies, has introduced the Breast Cancer Access Navigation and Testing (BRANT) initiative.
The initiative seeks to eliminate obstacles to diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that patients have easy access to expert consultations, diagnostic testing, and tailored care.
The Director-General of NICRAT, Usman Aliyu, highlighted the transformative impact of the program during its launch in Abuja on Friday. “BRANT represents a crucial advancement in Nigeria’s battle against breast cancer. It simplifies support systems and improves patient care by linking all stakeholders into a single, cohesive network,” stated Aliyu, who was represented by the Director of Cancer Prevention and Control, Waziri Usman.
The initiative aims to tackle significant issues in Nigeria’s oncology sector, particularly the acute lack of oncologists. CEO of Oncopadi, Omolola Salako, emphasized the pressing need for solutions. “The country has fewer than 95 oncologists for its population. With an estimated 32,000 new breast cancer cases expected in 2025, we must leverage technology to close this gap,” she explained.
Salako highlighted that the partnership formed between Roche and Oncopadi in 2024 is intended to assist 5,000 women who have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. She stated, “By merging Roche’s oncology knowledge with Oncopadi’s digital strengths, BRANT guarantees that more women obtain prompt, life-saving treatments.”
Ladi Hameed, the General Manager of Roche, emphasized the company’s dedication to reducing the financial challenges related to breast cancer treatment. “The BRANT programme offers free immuno-histochemistry testing and utilizes multidisciplinary teams to guarantee prompt diagnoses and treatment,” Hameed stated, as represented by the Medical Director of Roche Products Limited, Bola Oyedeji.
