Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, President/CEO Nigerian Cancer Society
The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has called for the urgent implementation of a national cancer survivorship framework and stronger support systems to improve the quality of life of millions of Nigerians living beyond cancer treatment.
The call was made as Nigeria joined the global community to commemorate National Cancer Survivors’ Day 2026, observed annually on the first Sunday of June to recognise and celebrate people living with and beyond cancer.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) , the NCS President, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, said cancer survivorship must become a core component of Nigeria’s cancer control strategy, noting that surviving cancer should mark the beginning of continued medical, social, and economic support rather than the end of care.
He said the Uyo 2026 Declaration represents a collective push for the adoption of a National Cancer Survivorship Framework, expanded health insurance coverage for cancer care, increased investment in oncology infrastructure, and improved psychosocial support services.
“Survivorship must be recognised as an integral component of cancer control and not merely an outcome of treatment,” Omonisi said.
According to the NCS, many cancer survivors in Nigeria continue to face significant challenges, including high treatment costs, limited insurance coverage, loss of income, inadequate rehabilitation services, and restricted access to specialised follow-up care.
The society noted that survivors often experience long-term health complications such as chronic pain, fatigue, infertility, nutritional difficulties, lymphedema, and treatment-related side effects that affect their daily lives.
Beyond physical challenges, Omonisi highlighted the growing need for mental health and social support, pointing to anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence, and emotional distress among survivors.
He also raised concerns over persistent misconceptions linking cancer to curses, witchcraft, punishment, or hopelessness, warning that such beliefs continue to fuel stigma and social exclusion.
“Survivors may experience rejection, diminished social support, and negative attitudes that affect their reintegration into society,” he said.
The NCS president further called for policies that protect cancer survivors from workplace discrimination and promote economic reintegration, noting that many patients lose employment during treatment or struggle to return to work after recovery.
He added that young survivors and childhood cancer survivors often face additional challenges, including disruptions to education and long-term developmental and psychosocial impacts.
To address these gaps, Omonisi urged the Federal Government, state governments, healthcare providers, development partners, private sector organisations, and civil society groups to prioritise survivorship care in national health planning.
He disclosed that the society recently launched the National Cancer Intervention Fund (NCIF), aimed at mobilising ₦5 billion to support cancer diagnosis and treatment for patients across Nigeria.
The fund, currently at the resource mobilisation stage, is being supported by the World Health Organization.
The NCS also expressed support for the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s recently introduced Social Determinants of Health Fund, designed to address barriers limiting access to healthcare services.
Omonisi said the society remains committed to building a cancer care system where survivors can access quality healthcare, dignity, financial security, and social inclusion.
“Every cancer survivor in Nigeria should have the opportunity not only to survive but to thrive,” he said.
The 2026 National Cancer Survivors’ Day theme, “Living Beyond Cancer: Survivorship, Support and System Strengthening,” underscores growing global recognition that cancer care extends beyond diagnosis and treatment to include long-term recovery and wellbeing. (NAN)