The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has urged federal and state governments, organised private sector, multinational corporations, civil society organisaton and other stakeholders to invest more robustly in cancer prevention and control.
President of NCS, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, made the call at the 2026 World Cancer Day Regional mega rally held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at the weekend.
In his address, Prof. Omonisi noted that investment in cancer control is not a cost, but an investment in productivity, national development, and human dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the rally: “United by Unique.”, Prof Omonisi said they choose Rivers State for the rally because it has demonstrated strong commitment toward improving health infrastructure, including cancer care.
He said: “We acknowledge the strides made through facilities such as the Peter Odili Cardiovascular and Cancer Centre, which represents hope for many families in this region.
“Bringing the 2026 Regional Mega Rally to Port Harcourt is intentional. It reinforces our message that cancer control must not be centralised in Abuja or Lagos alone. Every geopolitical zone deserves visibility, access, and action.
“The South-South region faces unique environmental, economic, and healthcare access challenges. True to this year’s theme, each region’s cancer burden is unique yet our resolve to confront it is united.”
Speaking on the ‘Reality of Cancer in Nigeria’, Omonisi said “Cancer is no longer a distant threat. It is here. It is rising. Yet the tragedy is this: Many cancers are preventable. Many are treatable. Many lives can be saved through early detection”.
On achievements in the past, the NCS President revealed that Nigeria has made notable progress, including establishment of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), strengthening of the National Cancer Control Plan (2026–2030)”, others.
He added “We are actively mobilising resources to deploy mobile cancer screening and treatment vans across the six geopolitical zones, ensuring that geography and poverty do not determine survival”.
Meanwhile, during the programme over 500 persons benefited from a free cancer screening exercise at the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Centre (POCCC), in Port Harcourt.
It would be recalled that the 65-bed state-of-the-art hospital was initiated by the government of Chief Nyesom Wike and was completed last September under the present administration of Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking with journalists during the sensitisation and free screening exercise Sunday, the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Prof. Justina Jumbo, emphasised that cancer is a chronic disease that can be treated if detected early.
Prof Jumbo said, “We know that cancer is a chronic disease that affects all humans irrespective of their age, their sex, and their race. It affects everybody and it’s due to when certain cells decide to multiply on uncontrollable level. It could occur in any part of the body and it’s a deadly disease and the state government have thought it wise to establish this center,” she said.
The permanent secretary stated the centre will save patients the cost of overseas medical tourism and treatment. “Before now we used to travel to other states and outside the country for diagnosis and for treatment but now we have the center here. So, we want to sensitise and create the awareness so that people will now start patronising.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Mr. Tony Rahme, stated the hospital, which has been altered to provide treatment for all class of people in society, handles cases of cancer, oncology surgery and kidney transplant.
He said: “it’s a 65 total bed space based on three main pillars; oncology and advanced oncology surgery, cardiovascular including cardio surgery and kidney transplant and nephrology.”
He pointed out that no fewer than 700 persons have come for the free screening exercise, adding that the state government will subsidise for those who are not able to pay for their treatments.
Blessing Ibunge
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