EXECUTIVE Secretary, GivingTide Int’l, Dr Abia Nzelu has said cancer is a global crisis with a human face but tragic that Nigeria has no Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CCC), making a cancer diagnosis too often a death sentence in the country.
Dr Nzelu, in a press release on World Cancer Day (WCD), said while India has over 200 CCCs (many of which are non-profit and philanthropy-driven), and several African countries, including Egypt, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, and Sudan have at least one, but Nigeria has none.
Nzelu stated: “As a result, Nigerians spend over $1 billion annually on medical tourism, seeking treatment abroad. This amount could fund 20 Comprehensive Cancer Centres every year. Yet, many who travel for care do not return home alive.
“The loss of General Toareed Lagbaja, Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff, in November 2024, while undergoing treatment abroad, is yet another painful reminder.”
According to Nzelu, cancer is not just a statistic but a global crisis that in 2022 caused 9.7 million deaths, recorded 20 million new cases, and is projected to skyrocket by 77 percent by 2050.
“Africa bears an even heavier burden. Nigeria leads these dire statistics, with 127,763 new cases and 79,542 deaths in 2022, an overwhelming majority of whom were women. But beyond these numbers are faces, voices, and stories of pain and resilience.”
Dr Nzelu declared that cancer does not discriminate between the rich and poor, the powerful and the humble and therefore every cancer patient should be treated with royalty and every life is worth saving.
“In recent months, the Royal Family has been struck by successive cancer diagnoses. Each of them has faced a unique battle, receiving world-class care tailored to their individual needs. Their stories reinforce the message that cancer is not a death sentence.
“The Princess of Wales recently announced in January 2025 that her cancer is in remission—a testament to the power of timely intervention and comprehensive care. Their access to cutting-edge treatment at The Royal Marsden played a crucial role in their recovery. What about those in developing nations who do not have access to such care?
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“But here lies the tragedy: Nigeria has no comprehensive cancer centre (CCC). As a result, Nigerians spend over $1 billion annually on medical tourism, seeking treatment abroad. This amount could fund 20 Comprehensive Cancer Centres every year. Yet many who travel for care do not return home alive.
“For nearly two decades, Prince William and the Prince of Wales, has been a driving force behind The Royal Marsden, serving as its President since 2007 and inspiring its mission—one that has now personally touched his own family.
“Nigeria, too, needs committed patrons like the Prince and Princess of Wales—leaders with the vision and will to transform cancer care in our nation. The time has come for heroes to rise, ensuring that no Nigerian is denied life-saving treatment due to lack of access,” he said.
