CiSCANEN Urges Swift Implementation of Nigeria’s National Cancer Control Plan
By Odimayo O.F
The Civil Society for Cancer Eradication in Nigeria (CiSCANEN), a non-governmental and community-based organization, has called on the Federal Government to urgently accelerate the implementation of the National Cancer Control Plan (2023–2027) to address the growing cancer burden across the country.
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In a letter dated May 31, 2025, addressed to the Honourable Minister of Health, the National Coordinator of CiSCANEN, Dr. (Mrs.) Adegoke-Elijah, expressed concern over the slow pace in executing the key components of the plan, particularly in the areas of prevention and early detection.
“With 2025 already underway, none of the critical strategies aimed at screening over 50% of the eligible population by 2027 have commenced,” Dr. Elijah stated. “Given the alarming rise in cancer cases in Nigeria, immediate and focused action is imperative if we are to meet the targets set in the plan.”
While acknowledging and commending the Federal Ministry of Health and stakeholders for developing the National Cancer Control Plan, Dr. Elijah emphasized the urgent need to conduct a baseline survey to provide data-driven insights for effective planning and resource allocation.
She further called for the establishment of a nationwide routine screening program targeting breast, cervical, prostate, and colon cancers. “These programs should be integrated into existing healthcare infrastructure, including primary health centres and tertiary hospitals, to maximize reach and impact,” she advised.
Dr. Elijah also underscored the importance of making cancer screening services accessible to vulnerable populations, especially those in rural and underserved communities. She urged the Ministry of Health to partner with community-based organizations to intensify outreach and awareness campaigns.
“The Federal Ministry must not focus solely on adult cancers,” she cautioned. “Pediatric and hematological cancers are also on the rise and must be integrated into routine child healthcare services and national health programs.”
CiSCANEN warned that delays in the implementation of the plan could have grave public health consequences, stressing that cancer continues to be a major health crisis in Nigeria.
“The failure to roll out the National Cancer Control Plan as scheduled could derail Nigeria’s fight against cancer. We urge all relevant government agencies to redouble their efforts in implementing the outlined strategies without further delay,” the letter read.
Reaffirming its commitment, CiSCANEN pledged to continue collaborating with government institutions and other stakeholders in the cancer care space. “We remain fully committed to our mission of reducing the cancer burden in Nigeria. But unless urgent actions are taken, the 2027 target of screening more than 50% of eligible Nigerians will remain a missed opportunity,” the letter concluded.
