Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.
It is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Cancer Treatment
The Federal Government on Monday said efforts were ongoing to include cancer treatment in the National Health Insurance Scheme.
This is to ensure adequate and affordable healthcare services for citizens diagnosed with cancer.
The National Coordinator, Cancer Control Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, Uche Nwokwu, announced this plan at the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association Cancer Awareness Summit, in commemoration of the Year 2024 World Cancer Day.
Nwokwu noted that the government had in place the Cancer Health Funds which provided comprehensive cancer care for patients.
Health Insurance Scheme
According to him, over 2,445 patients had been registered for the scheme while over 750 patients are currently being funded.
He said: “We understand that one of the major thing cancer affects is the pockets of the affected families and communities.
“It is capable of impoverishing anybody. Nobody has the capacity on their own to afford cancer care anywhere in the world not just in Nigeria.
“The government is taking steps to ensure that it is included in the health insurance which is one of the major areas that people can afford to assess the care and pay for it.
“We also understand that since not everybody is yet on health insurance, the government has provided cancer health funds that provides comprehensive cancer care.
“As we speak over 2,445 patients are registered and over 750 have been funded.
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“The fund provides treatment for surgery, chemotherapy, and therapy and its centre is at the National Hospital.
“We also have a mandate of the minister to go across the country”.
Nwoku added that the government had also entered into partnerships with Non-governmental Organisations to subsidise the cost of chemotherapies.
Government Partnership
“Also, the government has partnered with some NGOs and other sector players to reduce the costs of chemotherapies which are also very expensive.
“The Wife of the Chief of Army Staff, Mariya Lagbaja, noted that lack of awareness and access to quality health care among others have widened the care gap for cancer patients.
“As we are all aware, some of these gaps include limited access to quality healthcare facilities, financial restrictions faced by patients, and limited awareness regarding the Disease.
“Without any doubt, the lack of awareness most especially, has serious consequences, as it prevents many people from seeking early diagnosis and prompt treatment,” Lagbaja said.
Screening
However, Lagbaja urged Nigerians to undergo regular screenings and actively participate in raising awareness about the disease.
Lagbaja said: “As we commemorate this event, let us remember that our collective efforts have the power to make a difference.
“By spreading awareness, advocating for regular screenings, and supporting those affected by the disease, we can contribute to a future where this disease no longer claims lives”.
The National Cancer Control Plan (2018–2022) stated that the disease causes 72,000 annual deaths in Nigeria, with approximately 102,000 new cases each year.
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