NHIA Urges Early Detection as FG Steps Up Cancer Response

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is urging Nigerian women to prioritize early detection of breast cancer, as the country joins global efforts to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the latest estimates, Nigeria sees 32,278 new breast cancer cases annually, with 16,332 deaths. Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Nigerian women and a leading cause of cancer deaths in the country.

The federal government's statistics show that Nigeria accounts for 10.5% of Africa's cancer burden, placing it among the most affected countries on the continent.

In response to the increasing burden of cancer, the NHIA has expanded financial protection for insured patients facing the high cost of oncology treatment. Under a partnership with pharmaceutical company Roche, Roche absorbs 50% of the cost of selected oncology medicines for eligible insured patients, while the NHIA contributes 30%. Patients are responsible for the remaining 20%. This cost-sharing structure effectively removes 80% of the medicine cost from the patient's direct financial burden.

Additionally, the NHIA has introduced support for radiotherapy, ranging from N400,000 to full coverage for eligible patients. The authority also maintains benefits for key cancer-related diagnostics, such as mammography, CT and MRI scans, bone scans, and laboratory investigations. The expanded package covers screening, surgery, chemotherapy, and follow-up care, depending on the patient's eligibility and applicable insurance benefits.

NHIA Director General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, emphasizes that the critical measure of the insurance system should be whether the coverage provides meaningful protection when illness strikes, rather than the number of Nigerians carrying insurance records. The interventions align with the broader health reform agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration, which has elevated cancer prevention and control as national priorities.

The government is implementing the Nigeria National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030, which covers prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, patient navigation, survivorship, research, data management, and oncology workforce expansion. Six Oncology Centres of Excellence are already operational, with upgraded equipment and specialized facilities.