Cancer is a growing health concern in Enugu, and Dr. Nwamaka Lasebikan, Director of Research and Innovation at the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), is urging more investment to address this issue.
Dr. Lasebikan, who was the former Director of the Oncology Center at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), spoke during a World Cancer Day event, calling on Enugu to prioritize cancer care as both a health necessity and an economic opportunity.
Enugu, with a population of over four million people, faces a significant cancer burden. The Enugu Cancer Registry reported over 3,000 cancer cases in just five years, though Dr. Lasebikan believes the true number may be much higher due to limited diagnostics and underreporting.
Thousands of families are suffering from cancer-related deaths each year, and the state is in urgent need of better healthcare infrastructure to tackle the problem.
While there is a cancer center at UNTH, several challenges remain. There is a shortage of skilled oncologists, limited access to advanced diagnostic tools and radiotherapy, and high treatment costs that many people cannot afford.
As a result, many patients are forced to travel to cities like Lagos or Abuja for treatment, or even seek care abroad, adding to the financial burden.
Dr. Lasebikan calls for a multi-pronged approach, including government investment, private sector involvement, and support from the diaspora, to address these challenges.
She believes that creating a robust cancer care ecosystem in Enugu will not only improve survival rates but also create new economic opportunities for the state.
Another key issue Dr. Lasebikan highlighted is the shortage of oncologists in Nigeria.
Global standards recommend one oncologist for every 250 cancer patients, but in Nigeria, there are fewer than 80 oncologists for about 120,000 cancer patients.
In Enugu, there are only four specialists, making it even harder for people to get the treatment they need.
Dr. Lasebikan stressed that integrating cancer care into Enugu’s health system will not only save lives but also help build a stronger, more resilient economy.
By prioritizing cancer care, Enugu can become a leader in specialized healthcare in Southeast Nigeria, benefiting both its people and the wider region.
