FG urges early cancer detection, says delayed diagnosis complicates treatment

The Nigerian government has stressed the critical need for early cancer detection, emphasizing that the stage at which the disease is diagnosed directly impacts the treatment approach and chances of a successful cure. Uchechukwu Nwokwu, the National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Plan under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, explained in an interview that cancer is not a single disease but a group of diseases that can affect various organs and behave differently based on the type of cancer and the cells involved.

He highlighted that cancer development begins when abnormal cells form within a specific organ or body system. The extent of spread determines the cancer's stage, ranging from Stage One, where the cancer remains confined to its origin, to Stage Four, characterized by metastasis, where the disease has spread to other parts of the body.

Early detection, particularly in Stage One or Two, allows for more straightforward treatment options, such as surgery, which can potentially cure the cancer if it remains localized. As the disease progresses to Stage Three or Four, treatment becomes more complex, often requiring a combination of therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted treatments, depending on the patient's condition and the specific type of cancer.

Nwokwu emphasized the importance of promptly seeking medical attention and adhering to recommended screening and diagnostic practices to increase the likelihood of early detection and effective treatment.