Colorectal cancer: SNEMIS calls for improved awareness

The Society for Nurses in Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Surgery Nigeria (SNEMIS), has called for greater awareness and increased screening for colorectal cancer to reduce morbidity and mortality in Nigeria.

Dr Johnson Ogundare, Founder and CEO of SNEMIS-Nigeria, made this statement during the society’s free colorectal cancer screening initiative in Lagos.

He emphasised that colorectal cancer, a type of cancer affecting the colon or rectum, is one of the most common and deadly cancers globally.

Ogundare noted that early detection through screening could significantly reduce the incidence and impact of colorectal cancer.

He pointed out that many Nigerians have undetected colorectal cancer, which contributes to high mortality rates.

Ogundare said, “To address this, the SNEMIS-Nigeria would provide screenings for 100 Nigerians aged 45 and above as part of its commitment to community health.

“The screenings began at Evercare Hospital in Lekki, with additional screenings scheduled at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) until the first week of March.”

Ogundare explained that the screening methods, including colonoscopies, could detect and remove precancerous polyps before they became cancerous.

He also shared his personal experience with the procedure, highlighting that the cost of screening in the U.S. would have been 6,000 dollars, while in Lagos, the cost ranges from N200,000 to N900,000, depending on the facility.

“SNEMIS-Nigeria is offering this screening free of charge to promote early detection because we believe no Nigerian should die from colorectal cancer if it is detected early,” Ogundare said.

He also urged both federal and state governments to prioritise measures to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly colorectal cancer.

He highlighted the lack of adequate equipment in many public health facilities and called for increased funding for necessary equipment and training for health workers.

Additionally, Ogundare said that the SNEMIS conference would take place alongside the screening initiative, focusing on improving standards and competencies for perioperative nurses in endoscopy and minimally invasive surgery in Nigeria.

Dr Toyin Asaolu, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Evercare Hospital, noted that many patients with colorectal cancer were diagnosed at advanced stages, when treatment options were limited.

She added that while colorectal cancer predominantly affected those aged 45 and above, younger individuals were increasingly being diagnosed.

She advised those with a family history or genetic predisposition to screen early.

Asaolu also stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to raise awareness and improve advocacy for early detection, urging the government to introduce policies that reduced the financial burden on patients.

She suggested that strengthening health insurance could help address the challenges of non-communicable diseases like colorectal cancer.

Dr Akwi Asombang, Consultant Interventional Gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in the U.S., called for a team-based approach to care to improve health outcomes.

She also emphasised the need for improved training for doctors and health workers to enhance their skills, commending SNEMIS for its contributions to nursing education.

Mr Henry Eyowun, a beneficiary of the screening, thanked SNEMIS and Evercare Hospital for their life-saving intervention, noting that the procedure would have been financially prohibitive for him without this initiative.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, accounting for around 10 per cent of all cancer cases and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.