Breaking News: Cancer Declared a Notifiable Disease in Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria – June 28, 2024

In a historic move to bolster the fight against cancer, Nigeria has officially declared cancer a notifiable disease. This landmark declaration marks a crucial advancement in the nation’s efforts to address the escalating cancer crisis.

The Minister of State for Health Dr Tunji Alausa who made the announcement cited the alarming surge in cancer cases and fatalities as the driving force behind this decision. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. In Nigeria, the statistics are equally grim, with approximately 127,000 new cases and 79,000 cancer-related deaths reported in 2022.

The absence of comprehensive data on cancer incidence and prevalence has significantly hindered effective cancer control strategies. By mandating the reporting of all diagnosed cancer cases, both private and public healthcare institutions will now contribute to a robust National Cancer Registry to be managed by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT). The registry will be instrumental in tracking cancer trends, identifying patterns, and improving patient outcomes.

The declaration represents a pivotal step in enhancing Nigeria’s public health infrastructure and demonstrates a renewed commitment to combating the growing burden of cancer across the nation.