NCS chief urges primary care focus for cancer services

Cancer care primary healthcare push as NCS urges rural access, mobile screening and stronger integration on World Cancer Day 2026

The President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Abidemi Omonisi, called for stronger integration of cancer care into primary healthcare on Wednesday, urging authorities to extend prevention and treatment services to rural communities and internally displaced persons.

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Abidemi Omonisi made the appeal in a statement to mark the 2026 World Cancer Day themed “United by Unique,” warning that most government interventions remain concentrated in state capitals and urban centres.

Abidemi Omonisi acknowledged progress in Nigeria’s cancer control efforts but cautioned against complacency, noting persistent late presentation, high treatment costs that push families into poverty, and shortages in oncology services, diagnostics and trained personnel.

The NCS president said the society is addressing gaps through free cancer screening projects targeted at underserved communities and internally displaced persons, alongside plans to deploy mobile screening and treatment vans across the six geopolitical zones.

Abidemi Omonisi stressed that tackling cancer requires collective action from government, health professionals, researchers, civil society, the private sector and communities, with an emphasis on policy leadership, financing, data, education and equitable access.

Abidemi Omonisi reaffirmed the society’s commitment to prevention, early detection, research, public education and capacity building, adding that the welfare and rights of patients and survivors remain central to its mission.

Addressing young people, Abidemi Omonisi urged healthy lifestyles, vaccination, screening and early reporting, stressing that cancer is not limited to older persons.

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Abidemi Omonisi listed achievements in Nigeria’s cancer control to include expanded awareness, improved advocacy, stronger cancer registries, the establishment of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, an updated National Cancer Control Plan, and upgrades of some federal hospitals as centres of excellence.

Quadri Olaitan