The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has intensified its call for increased national investment in cancer prevention and early detection, after successfully screening over 500 residents in Rivers State.
The large-scale screening and awareness outreach, organised as part of the Society’s ongoing advocacy efforts, provided free cancer checks and health education to members of the public. The initiative focused on early detection of common cancers, stressing that timely diagnosis significantly improves survival rates and reduces treatment costs.
Speaking during the programme, NCS President, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, emphasised that Nigeria must shift from a largely treatment-based approach to a prevention-driven strategy. He noted that too many cancer patients in the country present at advanced stages, largely due to poor access to screening services, low awareness, and financial limitations.
Prof. Omonisi described prevention and early screening as the most effective tools in reducing the nation’s cancer burden. He urged federal and state governments, as well as private sector stakeholders, to commit more resources toward strengthening diagnostic infrastructure, expanding community-based screening programmes, and integrating cancer prevention into primary healthcare systems.
According to him, investing in prevention today will not only save lives but also reduce the long-term economic strain on families and the healthcare system.
The outreach in Rivers State also included sensitisation sessions aimed at educating participants on risk factors, lifestyle changes, and the importance of routine medical check-ups. Health professionals at the event encouraged residents to seek medical attention promptly if they notice unusual symptoms.
The Society reiterated that cancer cases are rising in Nigeria and warned that without deliberate policy action and sustainable funding, mortality rates could continue to climb. It called for coordinated national efforts to improve access to affordable screening, subsidise treatment options, and strengthen public awareness campaigns.
The Rivers State initiative forms part of NCS’s broader nationwide push to prioritise cancer prevention and build a healthcare system that detects the disease early rather than responding only at critical stages.
