Advancing cancer control efforts in Nigeria: reflections on World Cancer Day 2022 in a vulnerable state in Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Cancer, the second leading cause of death globally, disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Nigeria. World Cancer Day (WCD) is one of several interventions to increase awareness of the disease. Bayelsa State is desirous of reducing its cancer burden and is making efforts in that regard. The objective of this paper is to describe the activities conducted in the oil-rich and cancer-prone Bayelsa State of Nigeria to commemorate WCD 2022. Materials and Methods: A coalition of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) spearheaded the marking of WCD 2022 in the state. Several activities, including advocacy visits, awareness campaigns on air and in the streets and screening for preventable cancers, were organized. Results: Seventeen NGOs participated in the WCD 2022 activities that involved the eight local government areas (districts) in the state. More than a hundred persons participated in the walk that traversed a major road in the capital. Many people were screened for cancer and a large audience was reached with key messages of the day through the different media deployed for the campaign. Conclusions: The WCD 2022 built on the previous edition that was held in 2021. With the injection of adequate resources and support from government and non-governmental bodies, cancer care can be improved, and the burden of the disease can be significantly reduced in Bayelsa State and Nigeria at large.

Keywords

• bayelsa state
• cancer
• control
• world cancer day
• nigeria