The Director of the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Centre and Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), Prof. Kunle Odunsi, has warned that one in four people may develop cancer in their lifetime, stressing the need for urgent investment in cancer prevention, screening and treatment infrastructure in Nigeria.
Prof. Odunsi spoke on Thursday in Abuja during a public lecture, induction of new Fellows and official opening of the NAS-T.Y. Danjuma Science Museum and Library organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science.
Speaking on the theme, “Redefining Cancer Care in the Era of Immunotherapy and Precision Oncology: Implications for Research, Treatment and Policy in Nigeria,” the renowned oncologist said cancer cases were increasingly being recorded among younger people, although the disease remains more common among older adults.
“About one in four people will develop cancer in their lifetime. The older one gets, the higher the chances, but nowadays we are seeing a lot of cancers develop in young people,” he said.
He explained that advances in genetics and precision medicine now make it possible to identify individuals at high risk and place them under close surveillance before the disease spreads.
According to him, cancer is no longer a death sentence as treatment outcomes have improved significantly in many countries due to innovations in immunotherapy and precision oncology.
“In the United States, survival from cancer has improved significantly. There are some cancers where we now see almost 100 per cent cure rates. Nigeria should not be left behind as progress in cancer care continues to evolve,” he stated.
The professor, however, lamented the high cost of treatment and inadequate healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria, noting that the country currently has only about 10 radiation therapy centres, far below what is required for its population.
“There are standard treatment options, but they are very expensive and difficult for many patients to afford. We need to develop infrastructure and ensure drugs are available, including chemotherapy and precision medicines based on patients’ genetic profiles,” he said.
Odunsi also stressed the importance of routine cancer screening and early detection.
He recommended colonoscopy screening for colon cancer from age 50, annual mammography for women from ages 40 to 45, Pap smear tests for cervical cancer, and prostate cancer screening for men through clinical examinations and blood tests.
“If we do these things, we can detect cancer early, prevent it from spreading and provide better chances of cure,” he added.
Speaking at the event, President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Prof. Abubakar Sambo, said the newly inaugurated NAS-T.Y. Danjuma Science Museum and Library had been officially opened to the public.
He noted that efforts were ongoing to populate the facility with scientific and historical materials relevant to Nigeria’s development.
“We have started populating it with historical items regarding science and development in our country. What we have now is a good starting point, but it will continue to grow,” Sambo said.
On the induction of new Fellows into the academy, he said the scholars were expected to promote scientific culture and technological advancement in Nigeria, particularly among young people.
The newly inducted Fellows include Prof. Omotayo Arotiba, Prof. Festus Okoye, Prof. Olufunmilayo Fawole, Prof. Kemi Amodu, Prof. Emeka Oguzie, Prof. Martins Emeje, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar and Prof. Muktar Aliyu.
