Abuja: Childhood cancer, a group of cancers ranging from leukemia, brain and spinal cord tumors to lymphomas and solid tumors, affects children from birth to 14 years and teenagers from 15 to 19 years.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, cancer is the leading cause of death for children and adolescents, with an estimated 400,000 individuals between 0-19 years developing cancer annually.
The WHO notes that over 80 percent of children with cancer in high-income countries are cured due to accessible comprehensive services, while only 30 percent of children in low and middle-income countries achieve the same outcome. The organization attributes this disparity to issues such as lack of diagnosis, misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, and poor access to care.
In Nigeria, the National Cancer Control Programme within the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW) reports that children represent 7.2 percent of the 127,000 cancer cases recorded annually. Uchechukwu Nwokwu, the National Coordinator for FMoHSW, highlighted at the 2025 International Cancer Day that childhood cancer survival rates could reach 80 percent with early diagnosis, timely access to treatment, and a positive response to therapy.
Mrs. Linda Jonathan, a mother of a six-year-old child, shared her experience with her son’s battle against leukemia, recounting the delays and challenges in diagnosis. Similarly, Mr. Sani Abdulkarim, whose daughter is undergoing treatment at the National Hospital in Abuja, expressed concerns over the financial burden of cancer treatment and called for more governmental support in establishing oncology centers and including treatments under insurance schemes to alleviate costs.
Mrs. Francesca Abu, a teacher, described the impact of her daughter’s cancer diagnosis on her family, which forced her to stop working to care for her child. She emphasized the emotional and financial strain, even with support from relatives and community members.
Dr. Oiza Tessy-Ahmadu, Head of Oncology Department at FMC, Jabi, discussed the significant financial strain associated with cancer care, noting that 95 percent of cancer patients pay out of pocket. She emphasized the need for improved access to cancer health funds and more investment in cancer research to reduce the financial burden on patients.
Dr. Adewunmi Oyesakin, Chief Consultant Paediatrician at the National Hospital, Abuja, highlighted the importance of establishing more diagnostic centers to ensure early and accurate detection of cancer. She noted the current lack of facilities such as PET scans in Abuja, forcing patients to travel to distant cities for essential diagnostic services.
Dr. Maryam Abdulrahman-Raji, Senior Registrar at the Oncology Unit, National Hospital, Abuja, pointed out significant challenges in pediatric cancer care, including delayed diagnosis and unaffordable treatment costs. She stressed the need for practical solutions and policy implementation to improve access to care and management of cancer in Nigeria.
Ms. Kemi Adekanye, Founder of Okapi Children Cancer Foundation, called for increased awareness and support for childhood cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection and structured support for affected children.
The fight against childhood cancer in Nigeria requires collective efforts from government, healthcare professionals, and civil society to improve survival rates and provide hope for affected children. With continued collaboration and investment, experts believe Nigeria can enhance outcomes for children battling cancer.
