Abuja, Feb. 4, 2026(NAN) The National Cancer Intervention Fund (NCIF) has called for sustainable and transparent financing mechanisms to reduce preventable cancer deaths in Nigeria.
Dr Gafar Alawode, Chairman of the NCIF Governing Council, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to commemorate World Cancer Day 2026.
Alawode said that the call aligned with the 2026 theme, “United by Unique,” which recognises that while cancer affected individuals differently, access to quality prevention, early detection, and treatment must be equitable and timely.
NAN reports that according to the GLOBOCAN 2022 report, Nigeria records about 127, 763 new cancer cases annually, with approximately 79, 542 cancer-related deaths.
Breast, prostate, and cervical cancers remain the most common, while women account for a higher proportion of cases than men.
He noted that Nigeria’s high cancer mortality rate was largely driven by late presentation and financial barriers.
He added that studies show that up to 70–75 per cent of cancer patients in the country presented at advanced stages (Stages III and IV), when treatment outcomes were often poor.
He said that many of cancer related deaths were preventable with improved access to screening, early diagnosis, and timely treatment, supported by sustainable financing mechanisms.
According to him, NCIF remains committed to strengthening cancer prevention and control efforts by expanding access to affordable cancer services, particularly in the areas of prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
He added that sustainable financing was critical to removing financial barriers that prevented patients from accessing care, adding that no Nigerian should be denied lifesaving cancer treatment because of cost.
He called on government at all levels, healthcare providers, development partners, communities, and individuals to work together to address the growing cancer burden in the country.
According to him, a coordinated and inclusive response would help translate individual cancer experiences into collective action and build a future where quality cancer care is accessible to all Nigerians.
The World Cancer Day is observed annually on Feb. 4 to raise awareness, promote education, and encourage action to reduce the global cancer burden. (NAN)
