The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has revealed that 16 states in Nigeria currently have no clinical oncologists, the specialized doctors essential for managing cancer patients. Abidemi Omonisi, President and CEO of NCS, expressed concern over this shortage amid the rising cancer burden nationwide.
Omonisi explained that effective cancer treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, nurses, pharmacists, and other specialists. The absence of clinical oncologists in these states means cancer care is suboptimal, with many regions lacking even basic diagnostic tools like mammograms. As a result, patients often have to travel to other states for screening and treatment.
He also noted that some states do not have designated officers for cancer management and lack reliable data on cancer cases, indicating insufficient intervention at local levels.
The federal government has initiated efforts to improve cancer care, including launching Oncoseek, a blood-based early detection test, and constructing six cancer centres of excellence across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. However, significant challenges remain in expanding access to quality oncology services nationwide.
