Oluwafunbi Bello 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The early cancer detection campaign received renewed backing from the Federal Government on Sunday as health authorities urged Nigerians to seek prompt medical attention for suspected cancer, saying timely diagnosis significantly improves treatment options and increases the chances of survival.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Plan, Uchechukwu Nwokwu, said the stage at which cancer is diagnosed plays a critical role in determining the most appropriate treatment and the likelihood of successful outcomes.
He explained that cancer progresses through four stages based on the extent to which abnormal cells spread within the body, stressing that early diagnosis gives doctors greater flexibility in selecting effective treatment options.
According to Nwokwu, Stage One cancer remains confined to the organ where it first develops, while Stage Two extends beyond its original location but is still limited to the affected organ.
He said Stage Three occurs when cancer spreads into surrounding tissues or nearby structures within the same body system.
“For example, if a breast cancer is growing beyond the breast and affects the chest wall which is hosting the breast, that’s Stage Three,” he said.
Nwokwu explained that Stage Four cancer is characterised by metastasis, where the disease spreads to distant organs or other parts of the body, making treatment significantly more complex.
He noted that some cancers diagnosed at an early stage can be treated successfully with surgery alone, while more advanced cases often require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The National Cancer Control Plan coordinator cautioned against viewing cancer as a single disease, noting that cancers affecting the same organ can behave differently because of their biological characteristics and may require different treatment approaches.
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Korede Abdullah 
Abah Felicity 