Health professionals and other stakeholders have called for stronger community involvement in efforts to reduce breast cancer deaths in Northeast Nigeria, urging improved early detection, wider access to treatment and closer collaboration among healthcare providers and community leaders.
The call was made on Wednesday during a town hall meeting in Nguru, Yobe State, held as part of the 2026 Pinktober Northeast Cancer Campaign.
The event was organised by the Cancer Consciousness Initiative (CCI) TeleOncology Hub in partnership with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Nguru, the Northeast Development Commission, the Nigerian Cancer Society and other stakeholders.
The campaign was held under the theme, “Awareness to Access”.
Nigerian Cancer Society Calls for Practical Measures Beyond Awareness
Dr Bashiru Adebayo, Chairman of the Nigerian Cancer Society, FMC Nguru Chapter, said the campaign was designed to improve public understanding of cancer, encourage early diagnosis and promote access to treatment and support for survivors.
He said the initiative would help people understand where to seek medical assistance, how to obtain timely assessments and diagnosis, and what treatment and survivor-support services were available.
Adebayo identified breast cancer as one of the major causes of mortality and said awareness efforts needed to be accompanied by practical measures to improve patient care.
He called for the establishment of multidisciplinary cancer management teams and urged traditional and religious leaders to educate their communities, address stigma and encourage people to seek medical attention early.
He also asked healthcare professionals to increase community education, promote routine breast self-examination and ensure that suspected cases were referred promptly for further assessment.
Adebayo further urged media organisations to continue reporting on breast cancer after October to sustain public awareness and encourage early health-seeking behaviour.
Patient Navigators Help Connect Communities to Healthcare Services
Dr Hannatu Ayuba Usman, a Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at the National Hospital Abuja, said cancer initiatives needed to involve listening to patients and communities, engaging with their concerns and working together to identify solutions.
She said people living with cancer often faced difficulties beyond the disease itself, including fear, stigma, financial hardship, misinformation and challenges accessing appropriate treatment.
Usman explained that community Patient Navigators helped connect patients with healthcare facilities and guided them through the process of obtaining screening, diagnosis, specialist consultations and continued support during treatment.
She also emphasised the importance of collaboration among oncologists, radiologists, histopathologists and patient navigators in improving outcomes for people receiving cancer care.
Medical Experts Urge Greater Public Participation
Dr Adamu Isa, a Consultant Histopathologist at FMC Nguru, highlighted the importance of public awareness, early detection and improved access to cancer treatment services.
He encouraged stakeholders to become breast cancer awareness ambassadors by sharing information in their homes, workplaces, religious institutions and wider communities.
Dr Thomas Nwobu, President of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, FMC Nguru Branch, also stressed the need for early detection, proper clinical assessment and continuity of treatment.
Nwobu called for wider public participation in cancer prevention and awareness programmes.
Breast Cancer Survivor Encourages Women to Attend Regular Screening
Hajiya Hadiza Sagiru, a breast cancer survivor, urged women to make regular screening part of their healthcare routines to improve the chances of detecting the disease early.
She also called on the government to give greater priority to access to treatment, noting that timely medical care significantly improves survival chances.
Town Hall Meeting Addresses Complexities of Cancer Treatment
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting included a panel discussion on breast cancer management.
The discussion covered challenges associated with treating pregnant women with breast cancer and the role of multidisciplinary collaboration in managing such cases.
Other activities planned for the awareness month include breast cancer screening, patient navigation services, health insurance subscriptions and a Mega Rally Cancer Walk.
The activities are scheduled to take place on separate occasions.
