The Children Living with Cancer Foundation (CLWCF) has called for stronger awareness, early detection, and government-backed support to reduce childhood cancer fatalities in Nigeria.
The appeal came during the foundation’s 15th Annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Walk in Lagos, which began at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and ended in Surulere.
CLWCF Founder, Dr. Nneka Nwobi, said this year’s theme, “Diagnosis: No Child Left Behind”, underscores the need to tackle misdiagnosis and delayed detection. She lamented the high cost of treatment, which continues to devastate families despite progress in care.
“Childhood cancer should not be a death sentence. Early detection significantly improves survival, yet too many children are diagnosed late or misdiagnosed. One parent spent over ₦25 million in a year to save his child. This is unacceptable – no family should face ruin,” Nwobi said.
She highlighted milestones, including Nigeria’s first national Childhood Cancer Registry, launched in December 2023, which tracks cases, treatment outcomes, and supports data-driven planning. Nwobi also commended Lagos State for improving cure rates and establishing the Bone Marrow Transplant Centre at LUTH, which now extends to childhood cancers.
Beyond medical treatment, she noted the heavy psychosocial toll on families and explained that CLWCF provides counselling, art therapy, and support groups for children, parents, and caregivers.
Nwobi urged government reforms to subsidise or fully cover treatment costs, stressing that children’s cancers must be prioritised.
This year’s awareness month featured a symbolic gold balloon release—gold being the global colour for childhood cancer—and a webinar that brought together doctors, professors, parents, and medical experts to share strategies for earlier diagnosis and improved care.
Survivors’ families shared powerful testimonies. Mrs. Chioma Agu, whose daughter survived kidney cancer diagnosed at age six, advised parents:
“Don’t rely on self-medication or prayers. If you notice anything unusual, go to hospital immediately.”
Her daughter is now almost 16 and thriving. Similarly, Mrs. Ijeoma Nwuche recounted her son’s recovery from leukaemia, crediting early detection for saving his life.
“Doctors told me it was early stage and he could survive. Today, 10 years later, he is alive and healthy,” she said.
Nwobi closed by urging Nigerians to extend support beyond September:
“Awareness must be continuous, because every day matters in saving a child’s life.”
