An oncologist at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Dr Samuel Otene, has attributed the high mortality rate of cancer patients in Nigeria (90 per cent) to late-stage diagnosis.
During a presentation on the burden of cancer at the unveiling of the latest diagnostic advancements in BSUTH, Otene said unlike in Western countries where early detection led to high survival rates, most Nigerian patients were diagnosed at advanced stages due to ignorance, poverty and cultural or religious beliefs.
Otene stressed the importance of early detection and preventive measures such as vaccination, particularly for cervical cancer, which could be largely prevented through the HPV vaccine and regular screening.
He said one-third of all cancers was preventable, and another one-third could be effectively treated if detected early, significantly reducing the mortality rate.
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He said, “Unfortunately, here in Nigeria, the majority of patients present at stage three or four of cancer, making treatment more challenging and often resulting in death.”
He further stated that breast, cervical, penile and prostate cancers accounted for 70 per cent of all cases in Nigeria, and that there was immense potential to reduce cancer mortality by focusing on awareness, screening and accurate diagnosis.
Otene lamented the barriers posed by cultural denial and religious beliefs, where patients refused to acknowledge their condition and delayed seeking medical care.
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