Childhood Cancer Crisis: Thousands Of Nigerian Children Battle Cancer Annually

Childhood Cancer Crisis: Thousands Of Nigerian Children Battle Cancer Annually

The National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Uchechukwu Nwokwu, has revealed that children make up 7.2% of the 127,000 cancer cases recorded annually in Nigeria…….READ MORE 

Dr. Nwokwu shared this information during a public enlightenment event in Abuja, organized by the Akanimo Cancer Foundation to mark the 2025 International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD). The annual event, observed globally on February 15, raises awareness about childhood cancer while advocating for better support for affected children, adolescents, survivors, and their families.

While data collection is ongoing, current statistics indicate that childhood cancers constitute 7.2% of Nigeria’s total cancer cases. Dr. Nwokwu noted that survival rates could reach 80% if children are diagnosed early and receive timely and effective treatment.

He identified leukemia as the most common childhood cancer, although the disease is also prevalent in adults, where it ranks as the fourth most common cancer.

According to Dr. Nwokwu, children generally have a higher survival rate than adults due to their strong physiological response to treatment. He explained that young patients recover faster, tolerate cancer drugs better, and have better outcomes when given access to stem cell transplants.

He also disclosed that childhood cancer is now being considered for inclusion in the Cancer Health Fund, which will provide financial support for treatment.

Dr. Idorenyin Usoh, the Abuja Coordinator of the Akanimo Cancer Foundation, emphasized the urgent need for stronger advocacy and government intervention.

“We need more awareness about childhood cancer because many children lose their lives due to late diagnosis. Many medical practitioners and parents do not immediately suspect cancer, leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment,” she said.

Usoh stressed that early detection and treatment are key to saving more lives since most childhood cancers are curable when identified at an early stage.

The Founder and Executive Director of the Akanimo Cancer Foundation, Mrs. Idara Ekanem, shared her personal experience, revealing that she established the foundation after losing her son, Akanimo, to cancer.

Committed to supporting children from underprivileged backgrounds, the foundation funds cancer research, provides financial assistance for treatments, and raises awareness about childhood cancer across Nigeria.

“We are currently supporting 10 children in five Nigerian hospitals under our patient treatment program,” Ekanem stated.

Ekanem described childhood cancer treatment as extremely expensive, adding that many affected families struggle to afford medical care.

“Most of the children we support come from indigent families who cannot afford basic healthcare services, let alone expensive cancer treatments,” she explained.

She further stated that the foundation covers all expenses, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and essential medications, to give these children a fighting chance at survival.

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commended the Akanimo Cancer Foundation for its efforts in raising awareness about childhood cancer, a condition that has not received as much public attention as other types of cancer.

As advocacy efforts increase, stakeholders are hopeful that childhood cancer will receive greater prioritization in Nigeria’s healthcare system.