By Juliet Ibimina
Childhood cancers remain one of the most heart-breaking yet under-discussed public health challenges in Nigeria — a silent crisis that disproportionately affects children in rural communities where awareness is low, healthcare facilities are inadequate, and early diagnosis is rare.
While childhood cancers are curable in many cases when detected early, countless children in Nigeria continue to lose their lives unnecessarily due to ignorance, late presentation, and lack of access to proper medical care.
According to the World Health Organisation, WHO, childhood cancers account for less than five per cent of all cancer cases globally but have a far-reaching impact on families and communities. In high-income countries, more than 80 per cent of children with cancer survive. In developing nations like Nigeria, however, survival rates can be as low as 20 per cent, largely due to late detection and limited access to treatment.
In many rural Nigerian communities, the early warning signs of childhood cancer — such as persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, swellings, fatigue, or vision problems — are often mistaken for malaria, infections, or even spiritual afflictions. Parents, unaware of the true nature of the illness, turn to local remedies or faith healers, delaying medical intervention until it is too late.
Parents as the First Line of Defence
Professor Benjamin Amodu, a phytomedicine researcher at the Triune Biblical University, USA, believes parents play a vital role in both prevention and management. “Because many of these children do not yet know what is happening or how to take care of themselves, parents must be observant. Early detection greatly increases the chances of survival,” he said.
He also advised pregnant women to exercise caution regarding their exposure to chemicals. “Expectant mothers should be careful about the medications, hard drugs, or cosmetics they use. Exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy or early childhood has been linked to increased risks of cancer, kidney disease, and other chronic illnesses.”
Professor Amodu believes Nigerian health authorities should not treat the alarming rise in childhood cancer cases with indifference. “The Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, and other relevant agencies must act decisively,” he said.
The Promise of Early Detection
Experts insist that early detection remains the most effective weapon in the fight against childhood cancer. Dr Iniobong Udo, a paediatrician at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, explained that while the precise triggers of cancer in children are often unclear, “a child stands an 80 per cent chance of being cured if the disease is detected early.”
Similarly, Dr Uche Nwokwu, the National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Programme, NCCP, emphasised that awareness is the first line of defence. “Through sensitisation and community health education, we can change the narrative,” he said. “Once picked up on time and treatment commenced, childhood cancers are among the most curable. Early detection truly saves lives.”
He cautioned, however, against the prevailing culture of denial, fatalism, and the “not my portion” mindset, which often prevents families from seeking timely medical help.
Rural Campaigns Bring Hope
Recognising this urgent need, the Akanimo Cancer Foundation, in partnership with the NNPC Foundation, has launched a Rural Childhood Cancer Sensitisation and Free Eye Screening Programme across several local government areas in Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at the flagship event held at the Etim Ekpo Model Healthcare Centre, the National Coordinator of the Akanimo Cancer Foundation, Dr Idorenyin Usoh, said the initiative was part of activities marking Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, CCAM.
“Our goal is to bridge the healthcare awareness gap in underserved communities by putting rural children first,” Dr Usoh said. “Every year, nearly half a million children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer — and this figure does not include those who die undiagnosed in countries like Nigeria.”
She explained that among the diagnosed cases, the survival rate in Nigeria remains around 20 per cent compared to over 80 per cent in high-income countries. “This disparity is not because cancer is more aggressive here, but because timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and supportive care are privileges — not rights,” she lamented.
Corporate Support and Community Impact
Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to advancing cancer awareness and screening across the country. She revealed that over 3,400 individuals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory had benefited from NNPC Foundation’s screening programmes for breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.
“The NNPC Foundation, established in 2023 as the social impact arm of NNPC Limited, has implemented programmes in education, environment, youth empowerment, and health,” she said. “We believe health is a cornerstone of social development. Every child, regardless of background or geography, deserves a chance at life, at health, and at hope.”
Experts Call for Stronger Health Systems
Public health experts agree that sensitisation campaigns play a critical role in bridging the information gap. By engaging local communities through radio programmes, school outreach, faith-based gatherings, and primary healthcare centres, awareness about the early signs of childhood cancer can spread more effectively.
However, they also warn that awareness alone is not enough. Primary Health Centres, PHCs, — often the first point of contact for rural dwellers — must be equipped with trained personnel and basic diagnostic tools. Unfortunately, many PHCs lack even the simplest laboratory facilities or referral systems, making early cancer detection nearly impossible.
To address this, experts recommend stronger partnerships between government health agencies and non-governmental organisations to strengthen community health systems and build sustainable awareness networks.
Dr Maryam Abdulrahman-Raji, Senior Registrar at the Oncology Unit of the National Hospital, Abuja, called for increased funding and investment in paediatric cancer care. “Improving diagnostic and treatment facilities will not only enhance survival rates but also restore hope to affected families,” she said.
The Role of Indigenous Innovation
While orthodox medicine continues to drive cancer treatment globally, some Nigerian researchers, like Professor Benjamin Amodu, are exploring alternative approaches rooted in phytomedicine.
According to him, his herbal formulations have shown remarkable efficacy against various cancers, including colon, lung, and even brain cancers. He cited instances where his drugs, tested in laboratories abroad, recorded up to 90 per cent success rates.
“There was a stage-four lung cancer patient in the United States who was unresponsive to all known treatments,” he recalled. “I sent my drug, and it cured the patient. In another case involving brain cancer, the patient’s tumour completely disappeared after four months of using my formulation.”
He maintains that his approach, while unconventional, underscores the importance of exploring indigenous medical knowledge alongside modern science. “We must look inward for solutions to our health challenges. Those we have treated are sharing their testimonies — proof that our work speaks for itself,” he said.
A Collective Responsibility
Experts agree that combating childhood cancer in rural Nigeria requires a multi-pronged approach: sustained awareness campaigns in local languages, integration of cancer education into maternal and child health programmes, strengthened PHCs, and the training of community champions such as teachers, religious leaders, and market women.
Ultimately, the fight against childhood cancer begins not in the hospital, but in the heart of the community — through knowledge, compassion, and early action.
Every child, regardless of where they are born, deserves a fair chance to survive and thrive. Sensitisation, experts insist, is not merely about raising awareness; it is a lifeline for countless children whose futures depend on early detection and timely care.
