Childhood cancer stakeholders have renewed calls for early detection, increased awareness and stronger financial support for children battling cancer, saying timely diagnosis and affordable treatment are critical to improving survival.
They made the call on Saturday in Abuja during the 10th Annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Walk organised by the Okapi Children Cancer Foundation (OkapiCCF).
The walk had the theme “Step by Step: We Rewrite the Story for Children Fighting Cancer”.
The awareness walk was held simultaneously across 10 cities in Nigeria and the United Kingdom under the banner “10 Cities. 1 Mission.”
Dr Oyesakin Adewunmi, Consultant Paediatrician at the National Hospital, Abuja, said the hospital had managed more than 30 childhood cancer cases, with some survivors returning to school while others were already in universities.
According to her, the experiences of survivors demonstrate that childhood cancer can be successfully treated when children are diagnosed early and complete treatment.
“The main point I want to highlight this morning is that childhood cancer exists. Many people believe that cancer is a disease that affects only adults, but that is not the case.
“Childhood cancer exists, and the cost of treatment is not easy for the average Nigerian family to bear.
“It requires a great deal of collaboration between the government and non-governmental organisations to ensure that children with cancer receive complete treatment and have the best possible outcomes,” she said.
Adewunmi stressed that early presentation can only be achieved through greater public awareness, noting that when communities recognise the signs of childhood cancer, children can be referred promptly for diagnosis and treatment.
She added that although early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes, the financial burden of treatment remains a major challenge requiring stronger collaboration between government and non-governmental organisations.
Dr Kemi Adekanye, Founder and Chief Volunteer of OkapiCCF, said the foundation had, over the past 10 years, supported more than 300 children with different forms of cancer.
Adekanye explained that the organisation has provided support through payment of medical bills, psychosocial support, educational scholarships and economic empowerment for some parents.
She noted that childhood cancer affects entire families and appealed for government subsidies to ease the cost of treatment.
“It is really expensive to treat children with cancer, so we are hoping that there is more support for children with cancer.
“Children with cancer pay out of pocket 100 per cent, even as little as cotton wool and syringes,” she said.
Adekanye advocated for subsidies or reductions in the prices of chemotherapy and other forms of treatment, adding that it was important for philanthropists to partner with organisations to support the cause.
Also speaking, Mrs Adebayo Glory, mother of a childhood cancer survivor, described the three-year journey of caring for her daughter as emotionally, financially and mentally exhausting.
“It has not been easy. Cancer is not child’s play. It takes everything from you — your peace of mind, your time, your finances and even your emotional strength.
“We need support from the government, NGOs, individuals and from everyone.
“Encouragement alone means so much because it is not easy for parents to watch their children go through pain and feel helpless,” she said.
She commended OkapiCCF, doctors and other supporters for standing with families throughout their treatment journeys, while urging the government to expand support for children living with cancer.
She also sympathised with parents who had lost children to the disease and expressed hope that no family would have to endure such a loss again.
