Nigerian Cancer Survivors Demand Government Support on World Cancer Day

On World Cancer Day, Nigerian cancer survivors and advocates called for increased government support, highlighting the urgency to enhance access to cancer care and funding for medical facilities. Speakers at the event in Abuja shared personal testimonies, stressing the importance of early detection and financial assistance for cancer treatment.

Dr. Deni Ejoh, a cancer survivor and founder of Cormod Cancer Foundation, shared her decade-long battle with metastatic breast cancer, underscoring the challenges faced by patients due to high treatment costs.

Ricki Fairlei, CEO of Touch Black Breast Cancer Alliance, emphasized the significance of survivor-led support groups in providing emotional assistance to cancer patients. Meanwhile, non-governmental organizations urged the Nigerian government to address the growing connection between cancer and the country's food system to combat the increasing cancer cases.

Mr. Robert Egb warned about the rising cancer-related deaths and new cases annually, attributing the trend to environmental factors and the link between certain foods and cancer.