Cancer is a global epidemic and Nigeria, as the most populous black nation on earth, is not left out. The Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), an online database that provides global cancer statistics, in its 2020 report estimated an annual incidence of 124,000 new cancer cases in Nigeria.
The Federal Government has, in the last few years, introduced a number of policies to tackle the rising cancer incidence. The most recent of such interventions is the establishment of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), an agency charged with the responsibility of providing leadership in cancer control, research and treatment in Nigeria. It is widely believed by cancer care stakeholders that NICRAT, a much advocated institute will revolutionize cancer care in Nigeria.
Dr. Lasebikan stated that the impact of these commendable government efforts can only be felt when there is deliberate collaboration between the private sector and government – at both state and federal levels.
She cited one such public-private partnership: a collaboration between Roche, a Swiss multinational biotechnology company, and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). “Under this program, the cost of cancer treatments for NHIA enrollees is reduced by as much as 80%. Nigerian patients need partnerships like these to effectively close the gaps in cancer care.” she said.
The conference theme “Equity in Oncology: Policy, Practice and Patients” was chosen to educate attendees about recent policies and resources that are poised to transform cancer care in Nigeria. The conference also marked the first time an Officially Licensed Best of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting was hosted in Nigeria. The “Best of ASCO event” seeks to provide the most up-to-date science and education from ASCO, it was held in partnership with Marcelle Ruth cancer center and Eli Lilly. Practice changing evidence to potentially improve cancer treatment outcomes in Nigeria was reviewed and 10 grants were awarded to deserving researchers in order to facilitate local data generation.
The 2023 ARCON annual conference held in Nigeria’s coal city, Enugu and was attended by the Deputy Governor His Excellency Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai, the Honorable Commissioner of Health, Professor Emmanuel Obi and the President of West African College of Surgeons, Professor Rapuluchukwu Ezeome.
