Nigeria Launches Comprehensive National Cancer Control Plan

The National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) was launched in Nigeria on February 4, 2026, by Dr. Uchechukwu Nwokwu, the National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Programme, to mark World Cancer Day.

This new NCCP for 2026-2030 represents a significant shift from traditional hospital-based cancer care to a comprehensive whole-of-society response. The plan addresses the alarming cancer statistics, with projections of over 30 million new cases globally by 2050, and Nigeria facing a disproportionate burden due to late diagnoses and high treatment costs.

The NCCP is built on seven pillars: prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, palliative care, digital innovation, advocacy, financial research, and surveillance. It emphasizes the importance of social determinants of health and aims to engage the public through a nationwide survey.

The plan also includes initiatives for free screening programs targeting major cancers and the introduction of a patient navigation system to simplify care journeys. The NCCP aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, focusing on HPV vaccination and screening.