Dr Adewunmi Oyesakin, Chief Consultant Paediatrician and Head of Unit at the National Hospital, Abuja, has urged the Nigerian government and stakeholders to establish a dedicated cancer diagnostic centre in the capital to facilitate early and accurate detection of the disease.
She made the call during an interview on the sidelines of an event for children with cancer, organised by the Okapi Children Cancer Foundation (OkapiCCF) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Dr Oyesakin emphasised that the absence of advanced diagnostic infrastructure, particularly Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan facilities, was a critical gap undermining timely diagnosis and effective treatment, especially for paediatric cancer patients.
“Currently, patients are forced to travel to cities like Lagos for critical diagnostic services such as PET scans, which delays treatment and increases cost.
“There’s not a single PET scan facility in Abuja. Children have to fly all the way to Lagos—and this is the Federal Capital Territory,” she stated.
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She maintained that the establishment of a dedicated cancer diagnostic centre would significantly improve early detection, enhance treatment outcomes, and increase survival rates for children living with cancer.
Dr Oyesakin also advocated for the creation of a specialised blood unit where blood and blood products would be readily available to support treatment, noting that timely access to such resources was often the difference between life and death for cancer patients.
“Blood and platelet products are expensive, and supporting the creation of a dedicated unit for blood services will be a major boost to patient survival,” she said.
Highlighting the financial burden of cancer care, she called for government subsidies, particularly for chemotherapy and transfusion support, and urged the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to provide comprehensive coverage for cancer patients beyond basic diagnostic tests.
“There is a need for financial support, especially for chemotherapy. Making the cost subsidised will help ensure children continue treatment,” she added.
On early detection, the paediatrician encouraged parents and care-givers to be vigilant when a child presents with persistent symptoms, especially if there is no improvement despite conventional treatment.
“We don’t have specific warning signs for cancer because most symptoms mimic common illnesses.
“But when a child keeps returning to the hospital for the same febrile illness, that’s a red flag. They should be referred to a specialist centre for thorough evaluation,” she advised.
The event, organised by OkapiCCF, served as a platform to raise awareness of paediatric cancer, promote early detection, and highlight the urgent need for improved access to cancer care services across Nigeria.