The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has commenced integrating a comprehensive cancer screening programme into Family Planning (FP) services across Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).
A consultant at NICRAT, Dr Yahaya Makanta made this known while speaking at an entry meeting with stakeholders on the integration of cancer prevention services into FP services in Kwara State.
He noted that the pilot integration of comprehensive cancer screening into FP services at the PHC level would begin in selected states across Nigeria.
The selected states are Kwara, Ebonyi (South-East), Cross River, and Kebbi (South-South), as well as Adamawa, Makanta added that the participating states were expected to serve as models for the rest of the country.
He explained that “the pilot programme in Kwara involves engaging stakeholders on the introduction of integrated cancer screening services with FP services, particularly for breast and cervical cancer.”
“The essence is to see that these women that present for FP services are also screened for cancer.
“The prevalence of cancer cases in Nigeria is growing and quite significant. But we believe that a lot of women have actually not been screened, and that is why we are having this prevalence,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director of Cancer Prevention and Control at NICRAT, Dr Usman Muhammad said cancer prevalence accounts for over 127,000 cases in Nigeria.
Dr Muhammad, who was represented by Mrs Deloraine Dennis, a Senior Scientific Officer at NICRAT, said; “more than 80,000 cancer-related deaths are recorded annually in the country.”
“Breast cancer is the leading cause of these deaths, and out of these 127,000 cases, it accounts for 25.7 per cent of these cancer deaths, with prostate cancer in second place, followed by cervical cancer,” he said.
Dr Muhammad explained that “NICRAT is responsible for cancer control in Nigeria, ensuring preventive measures, early detection and appropriate treatment for all Nigerians.”
NAN