THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT UNVEILS COMMUNITY BASED STRATEGIES TO STRENGTHEN CANCER PREVENTION AND EARLY DETECTION IN NIGERIA
The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment has introduced new community driven approaches to enhance cancer prevention, awareness, and early treatment across Nigeria.
During a one day Stakeholder Engagement Meeting held in Abuja, the Director General of NICRAT, Professor Usman Aliyu, emphasized that cancer control must begin at the grassroots where awareness and early action can save lives.
The new initiative, developed in collaboration with the American Association for Cancer Research, focuses on improving access to information, screening, and timely medical care. It promotes strong community participation by training local health workers, empowering volunteers, and integrating cancer education into primary healthcare services.
Professor Aliyu explained that early detection remains the most effective tool for reducing cancer deaths, adding that the project will help Nigerians understand the importance of regular checkups, lifestyle changes, and prompt medical consultation when symptoms appear.
Represented by the Director of Cancer Prevention and Control, Dr. Usman Waziri, the Director-General explained that the APT Campaign Project was developed to strengthen Nigeria’s cancer control agenda by increasing public awareness, improving access to screening, and embedding preventive services within the primary healthcare system.
He noted that the project aims to empower individuals with accurate information about cancer prevention while equipping healthcare workers to detect the disease early, when treatment is most effective.
According to Dr. Waziri, the initiative leverages evidence-based strategies and local expertise to build sustainable cancer prevention models that begin in the Federal Capital Territory and will eventually expand nationwide.
By integrating cancer education, screening, and preventive care into routine health services, the project seeks to shift Nigeria’s response from late-stage diagnosis to proactive prevention—helping to save lives and reduce the overall cancer burden across the country.
The NICRAT–AACR partnership represents a powerful step toward reducing Nigeria’s growing cancer burden. By combining research, awareness, and community engagement, the campaign seeks to ensure that prevention and early detection become part of everyday health practices across the nation.
“Our goal is to harmonize efforts and ensure the success of the APT Campaign,” Aliyu stated. He emphasized that this collaborative approach reflects the true spirit of integrated cancer control—built on shared responsibility, mutual accountability, and actions guided by evidence and data.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for its strong leadership and policy direction, which have created an enabling environment for partnerships like this to flourish. He also praised the American Association for Cancer Research for its continued dedication to advancing cancer research, promoting innovation, and building local capacity in Nigeria.
In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Rukkaiya Wammako, expressed concern over the low level of cancer awareness in many communities. She emphasized the urgent need for intensified grassroots sensitization to help people understand the importance of early detection, regular screening, and adopting healthier lifestyles to prevent cancer.
“There is a need for continuous engagement with local communities to drive positive attitudinal change, as denial still poses a major barrier to cancer prevention,” she said.
Dr. Wammako emphasized that cancer can be effectively treated when detected early and encouraged residents of the FCT to take advantage of the HPV vaccine to protect young girls from cervical cancer.
She commended NICRAT for spearheading the initiative and assured that the FCT Administration would continue to collaborate with the Institute to strengthen health interventions and improve the well-being of all residents.
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