The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has called for the full implementation of a national cancer survivorship framework and stronger support systems to improve the lives of cancer survivors nationwide.
NCS President, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, made the call in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja to mark the 2026 National Cancer Survivors’ Day. He emphasized that survivorship must become a core part of Nigeria’s cancer control efforts.
The NCS president spoke as the society joined millions worldwide to observe National Cancer Survivors’ Day, celebrated annually on the first Sunday of June to honor individuals living with and beyond cancer.
He highlighted that the Uyo 2026 Declaration represents a collective call for implementing a National Cancer Survivorship Framework and expanding health insurance coverage for cancer care.
It also advocates for increased investment in oncology infrastructure, stronger psychosocial support services, and better financial protection for survivors and their families.
According to Omonisi, the declaration urges governments and stakeholders to broaden health insurance coverage for cancer treatment and survivorship services, invest in oncology facilities, strengthen psychosocial support programs, and establish financial safety nets for survivors.
It further calls for workplace policies that protect survivors from discrimination, expansion of treatment and follow-up facilities nationwide, increased funding for survivorship research, and sustained public awareness campaigns to combat cancer stigma and misinformation.
He stated that surviving cancer should mark the beginning of a comprehensive system that enables survivors to live productive, fulfilling lives.
“Survivorship must be recognized as an essential part of cancer control, not just an outcome of treatment,” he said.
Regarding the day’s commemoration, Omonisi explained that it is held annually to celebrate individuals living with and beyond cancer.
While progress in diagnosis and treatment has improved survival rates globally, many Nigerian survivors still face unaddressed challenges within the healthcare system.
He noted that cancer survivors often endure severe financial hardship due to high out-of-pocket expenses, inadequate insurance, and loss of income during and after treatment.
Survivors also contend with long-term physical issues such as chronic pain, fatigue, infertility, lymphedema, nutritional problems, and treatment side effects that impact their quality of life.
Many also struggle with anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence, and emotional exhaustion without adequate psychosocial support.
He expressed concern over persistent misconceptions linking cancer to curses, witchcraft, punishment, or hopelessness, which fuel stigma, discrimination, and social isolation.
“Survivors may face rejection, diminished social support, and negative attitudes that hinder their reintegration into society,” he said.
Omonisi further noted that employment and economic reintegration remain difficult, especially for those who lose jobs during treatment or face discrimination when returning to work.
He added that young survivors often experience disruptions in education, and childhood cancer survivors may face long-term developmental, psychosocial, and educational challenges.
Access to structured survivorship care remains limited across Nigeria due to insufficient rehabilitation services, shortages of oncology specialists, and uneven access to supportive care, particularly in rural and underserved areas where travel distances and costs are significant barriers.
The NCS president urged the Federal and state governments, healthcare institutions, development partners, the private sector, and civil society to prioritize cancer survivorship in national health planning.
He highlighted the recent inauguration of the National Cancer Intervention Fund (NCIF), which aims to mobilize five billion Naira to support cancer diagnosis and treatment for survivors, supported by the World Health Organization.
Omonisi also commended the Social Determinants of Health Fund launched by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, aimed at addressing barriers to cancer care access nationwide.
“As we mark National Cancer Survivors’ Day 2026, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every survivor in Nigeria has the opportunity not just to survive but to thrive,” he said.
He emphasized that survivorship should be accompanied by dignity, quality healthcare, psychosocial well-being, economic security, and social inclusion.
Concluding, Omonisi expressed the society’s dedication to strengthening systems that support survivors beyond treatment.
“With the theme ‘Living Beyond Cancer: Survivorship, Support, and System Strengthening,’ we reaffirm our commitment to a future where every Nigerian cancer survivor can access quality care, live with dignity, and realize their full potential.”
“To every survivor across Nigeria: your courage inspires us, your journey matters, and your voice must continue to shape the future of cancer care in our nation,” he concluded.
