By Aderogba George
The Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), FCT Chapter, has called for urgent investment in women-centred cancer care, stressing the need for stronger screening, early detection, and equitable access to treatment.
MWAN President, Dr Maureen Umeakuewulu, made the call in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, aligning with the global World Cancer Day theme, “United by Unique”.
She said the theme highlights that behind every cancer statistic is a human being with a family, a livelihood, and dreams that deserve protection.
“In Nigeria, cancer continues to write a tragic story. Recent estimates show over 127,000 new cancer cases annually, with nearly 80,000 deaths.
“These are not just numbers; they represent mothers, daughters, wives, sisters, and breadwinners whose lives are cut short unnecessarily”.
Umeakuewulu said women in the FCT, where national policies are made, often present late with cancer, face long delays in diagnosis, and struggle to access timely treatment.
“Cancers that predominantly affect women—breast, cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancers—carry an especially heavy burden.
“Breast cancer now accounts for over 28,000 new cases annually among Nigerian women, while cervical cancer claims about 8,000 lives each year, despite being largely preventable.
“Nigeria has one of the highest cervical cancer burdens globally, yet screening coverage remains unacceptably low,” she said.
She warned that the impact of cancer goes beyond the individual.
“When a woman is lost to cancer, families are destabilised, children are left vulnerable, and communities are weakened.
“This is not only a health issue; it is a social justice issue. Late presentation remains the norm rather than the exception,” she added.
Umeakuewulu highlighted gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system, noting that many women arrive at hospitals when the disease is already advanced.
“Organised screening programmes are limited, awareness is low, and access to diagnostic services is unequal”.
She further pointed to the severe infrastructure deficit.
“No government-owned hospital in Nigeria currently has a functional PET scan, a critical tool for accurate cancer staging and treatment planning.
“There is only one functional PET scan in a private facility, far beyond the reach of the average Nigerian. Radiotherapy services tell a similar story.
“With a population of over 200 million, Nigeria has far too few functional radiotherapy centres, leading to long waiting times, interrupted treatment, disease progression, and avoidable deaths.
“Many patients in the FCT and beyond are forced to travel long distances or abandon care due to cost and delays,” Umeakuewulu added.
She called for the expansion of population-based screening programmes for breast and cervical cancer, starting at the primary healthcare level.
She also urged the strengthening of HPV vaccination coverage for girls aged 9–14 years and the establishment of PET scan facilities in government tertiary hospitals, including in the FCT.
She reaffirmed MWAN FCT’s commitment to advocacy, community education, screening, and partnership, urging everyone to prioritise their health and seek screening. (NAN)
