A Pediatric Oncologist at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital in Bayelsa, Dr Timipah West has called for the establishment of dedicated pediatric oncology centres across all the geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
West made the call on Saturday during an interview in Abuja.
As February 15 marks International Childhood Cancer (ICC) Day, a global campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer, West emphasised the importance of these centres in tackling the increasing incidences of childhood cancer.
She said these centres would aid in the early detection and treatment of the disease.
West advocated for the provision of essential diagnostic equipment, including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanners, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CT/MRI) machines, immunohistochemistry, and facilities for genetic studies at each pediatric oncology centre.
She also stressed that pediatric cancer care should be free to ensure early detection and proper treatment.
“Manpower development is essential, with trained pediatric oncologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, pediatric surgeons, pediatric oncology nurses, laboratory scientists, geneticists, and other pediatric sub-specialists being invaluable to the operation of these facilities,” she said.
West also called for the provision of treatment options like free or highly subsidised chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy.
She highlighted that the support for families of children with cancer, often overlooked, is crucial because of its devastating financial, psychological, and social impact.
The oncologist further recommended increased public awareness to provide the correct information about childhood cancer, its prevention, and treatment.
West identified common cancers in Nigerian children, including solid tumors like lymphomas, neuroblastoma (adrenal gland cancer), nephroblastoma (kidney cancer), retinoblastoma (eye cancer), rhabdomyosarcoma (muscle cancer), and acute leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells).
“While the cause of most childhood cancers remains unknown, factors such as genetic makeup, mutations, exposure to certain chemicals, and cancer drugs may contribute to cellular changes that lead to cancer.”
Regarding the rising number of childhood cancer cases in Nigeria, West cited factors such as increased diagnostic capabilities, more treatment facilities, greater public awareness due to advocacy, and environmental factors like climate change, which could lead to genetic changes.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 400,000 children and adolescents worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year.
However, Nigeria currently lacks specific data on childhood cancer.
At the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the first Childhood Population-Based Cancer Registry in Nigeria has recorded 237 childhood cancer cases since its establishment.
NAN
