Health & Psychological Trust Centre has called on the Federal Government to establish a national cancer screening programme to curb late detection and rising deaths from the disease.
The appeal was made on Saturday in Abuja during activities marking the 2026 World Cancer Day, which featured a 5km walk, 20km cycling, and a 10km run at the Transcorp Hilton.
Programme Associate of the organisation, Faridah Banwo, decried the high cost of cancer treatment, noting that many patients are forced to choose between buying food and purchasing medication, while families sell property to afford care.
She urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to increase funding for the Cancer Health Fund and called on state governments to create similar support structures.
Executive Director, Runcie Chidebe, said Nigeria recorded over 127,000 new cancer cases and nearly 80,000 deaths in 2022, attributing the high mortality rate to late detection and weak healthcare systems. He stressed the need for a structured national screening programme to improve early diagnosis and survival rates.
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Project PINK BLUE Urges FG to Establish National Cancer Screening Programme
