Cancer cases among Nigerian youth rising, NCS warns, citing environmental exposure and weak state cancer control plans

The President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Professor Abidemi Omonisi, warned that cancer cases among Nigerian youth are rising, with children as young as 12 now being diagnosed with the disease, based on data reviewed from cancer registries nationwide.

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Professor Abidemi Omonisi said recent findings show increasing cases of colorectal cancer among teenagers, a condition previously associated mainly with adults.

He added that breast and blood cancers are also becoming more common in younger age groups.

Speaking ahead of World Cancer Day marked on 4 February, Professor Abidemi Omonisi said the trend represents a major public health challenge and reflects growing exposure to cancer causing agents in the environment.

According to Professor Abidemi Omonisi, blood cancers, also known as haematological malignancies, are rising but receive little attention in national health discussions, while childhood cancers have been neglected for decades.

He attributed part of the increase to unsafe exposure to chemicals, particularly herbicides and pesticides used in farming, where many users fail to follow safety instructions and become exposed in the process.

Professor Abidemi Omonisi also criticised the weak implementation of cancer control policies at the state level, disclosing that more than 30 states have yet to domesticate the National Cancer Control Plan, leaving millions without access to diagnostic facilities or treatment centres.

He said several states lack functional cancer treatment infrastructure, noting that inadequate commitment by subnational authorities has slowed progress in tackling the disease.

Despite these concerns, Professor Abidemi Omonisi acknowledged progress by the federal government over the past decade, including the establishment of the National Cancer Institute in Lagos, centres of excellence across geopolitical zones and a national cancer fund.

He, however, expressed concern over the exit of major pharmaceutical companies from Nigeria, warning that reduced access to cancer drugs through middlemen has led to higher prices and scarcity.

Professor Abidemi Omonisi urged the federal government to provide zero interest loans and import duty waivers for private oncology centres, which he said are filling gaps created by disruptions in public hospitals.

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He stressed that stronger collaboration between government, professional bodies and civil society would be critical to reversing Nigeria’s rising cancer burden.