***Launches N5bn intervention fund, seeks stronger survivorship support nationwide
The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has called for urgent reforms to address the financial, social and healthcare challenges confronting cancer survivors across the country, warning that thousands of Nigerians who have overcome the disease continue to face poverty, stigma and limited access to post-treatment care.
Speaking at the 2026 National Cancer Survivors’ Day (NCSD) celebration and national flag-off ceremony in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, President and Chief Executive Officer of the society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, said cancer survivorship must be recognised as a critical component of Nigeria’s cancer control strategy rather than merely an outcome of treatment.
He noted that while advances in diagnosis and treatment have improved survival rates, many survivors are left to grapple with high out-of-pocket healthcare costs, loss of income, inadequate insurance coverage and long-term physical and psychological complications.
According to him, many cancer survivors deplete their savings, incur debts and struggle to access follow-up care after treatment, while others face anxiety, depression, chronic pain, infertility and fear of recurrence without adequate psychosocial support.
Omonisi also expressed concern over the persistent stigma associated with cancer in some communities, where misconceptions linking the disease to curses, witchcraft or punishment continue to fuel discrimination and social isolation.
He said employment and economic reintegration remain major hurdles for survivors, many of whom lose their jobs during treatment or encounter workplace discrimination upon recovery.
The NCS president further lamented the limited availability of survivorship services in Nigeria, citing inadequate rehabilitation programmes, shortage of oncology specialists, poor access to palliative care and insufficient supportive healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural communities.
To strengthen support for survivors, the society unveiled a National Cancer Intervention Fund (NCIF) aimed at mobilising N5 billion to support cancer diagnosis and treatment across the country.
Omonisi disclosed that the fund is currently at the resource mobilisation stage with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
As part of its “Uyo 2026 Declaration,” the society called for the implementation of a National Cancer Survivorship Framework under the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan (2026–2030), expansion of health insurance coverage to include comprehensive cancer care, rehabilitation and psychosocial services, as well as increased investment in oncology infrastructure and palliative care.
The declaration also advocated financial assistance and social protection mechanisms for survivors and their families, workplace policies that protect cancer survivors from discrimination, expansion of cancer treatment centres across the country’s geopolitical zones, and increased funding for research and data collection.
The society reaffirmed its support for the recently launched Social Determinants of Health Fund by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, designed to address socio-economic barriers limiting access to cancer care.
The 2026 National Cancer Survivors’ Day was commemorated under the theme, “Living Beyond Cancer: Survivorship, Support and System Strengthening.”
Omonisi said the society remains committed to ensuring that cancer survivors not only survive but also enjoy dignity, quality healthcare, economic security and social inclusion.
“Today, we celebrate life, resilience and hope. Every cancer survivor’s journey matters, and their voices must continue to shape the future of cancer care in Nigeria,” he said.
