The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has underscored the critical need for Nigeria to cultivate its own pool of cancer research experts and strengthen its commitment to combating the disease within its borders. This call to action was amplified by Professor Olusegun Alatise, NICRAT’s South-West Coordinator, during a five-day capacity-building workshop held at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The workshop, designed for oncologists and other healthcare professionals from the South-West region, aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to improve cancer care delivery across the nation. Professor Alatise emphasized the importance of nurturing a new generation of researchers dedicated to enhancing cancer care quality throughout the country. He expressed a resolute commitment to tackling the challenge of cancer within Nigeria, stating their determination to “stay here and fix what needs fixing” by cultivating a cohort of researchers who share this vision.
The workshop, themed “Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Cancer Research and Implementation,” was part of a larger, three-phased project spearheaded by NICRAT. Dr. Nwamaka Lasebikan, NICRAT’s Director of Research and Innovation, explained that the workshop’s objective was to address specific institutional gaps identified in a prior assessment. The first phase involved an extensive evaluation of cancer care institutions across Nigeria, aiming to identify centers of excellence. This assessment provided a comprehensive overview of the existing research capacity, infrastructure, and expertise within the country. The second phase, represented by the capacity-building workshop, focuses on empowering researchers in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct impactful research and contribute to improving cancer care delivery. Finally, the third phase involves awarding grants to support the implementation of promising cancer research initiatives stemming from the training programs.
The selection process for participating institutions in the project was rigorous. Fourteen institutions, representing all six geopolitical zones, were chosen based on stringent criteria including research output, experience in cancer care, and overall capacity to contribute meaningfully to the project’s goals. Each selected institution served as a hub for specialized capacity-building workshops tailored to the specific needs of each region, ultimately strengthening the nation’s cancer care system as a whole. This strategic approach aims to distribute expertise and resources more effectively, ensuring a more balanced and comprehensive approach to cancer research and treatment throughout the country.
The urgency of NICRAT’s initiative is underscored by alarming statistics on cancer prevalence in Nigeria. A 2022 report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) revealed that Nigeria records nearly 128,000 new cancer cases each year, a figure projected to rise without significant and coordinated intervention. This alarming statistic highlights the pressing need for improved cancer care and research within the country. The workshop organizers emphasized the severity of the situation, stressing the need for immediate action to mitigate the growing cancer burden. The training program is therefore a crucial step towards building local capacity to address this escalating health crisis.
Among Nigerian men, prostate, colorectal, and liver cancers are the most prevalent, while breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer among women, accounting for an estimated 32,200 new cases and over 16,300 deaths annually. These figures highlight the disproportionate impact of breast cancer on the female population and underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. The high incidence of these specific cancers necessitates focused research efforts to understand the underlying factors contributing to their prevalence and to develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Cervical cancer, another significant threat to women’s health in Nigeria, claims thousands of lives each year despite being largely preventable through vaccination and regular screening. This highlights the critical need for increased awareness campaigns and accessible screening programs to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and improve survival rates. The preventable nature of cervical cancer makes it a particularly tragic statistic, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures and early detection. The workshop’s focus on capacity building aims to empower healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to implement effective prevention and early detection strategies, ultimately contributing to a reduction in cervical cancer mortality.
