Nigerian Cancer Survivors Face Financial Hardship and Stigma

The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has reported that cancer survivors in Nigeria are confronting severe challenges, including financial hardship and social stigma. In a statement by Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, President and CEO of NCS, it was noted that while advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment have improved survival outcomes, access to survivorship care remains limited.

Survivors often face high out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures, limited health insurance coverage, and loss of income, leading to economic burdens on families. Additionally, survivors frequently experience physical complications such as chronic pain, fatigue, and long-term side effects from treatment.

Mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, are common, exacerbated by a lack of psychosocial support services. The NCS emphasized that social stigma and misconceptions about cancer contribute to discrimination and isolation within communities.

On National Cancer Survivors Day, the NCS called on the federal and state governments, policymakers, healthcare institutions, and private sector stakeholders to prioritize cancer survivorship in Nigeria's health agenda.