By Aderogba George, NAN
The Gloria Cancer Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has called on the Federal Government to intensify awareness on colorectal cancer, noting that cases have tripled over the past 40 years.
The Founder of the foundation, Mrs Gloria Okwu, made the call during a hiking event tagged “Blue Hat Bow Tie”, organised to mark Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month observed every March.
Okwu said colorectal cancer had become one of the top five cancers in Nigeria, expressing concern over late presentation of cases due to low awareness and frequent misdiagnosis.
“Colorectal cancer has tripled in incidence over the last 40 years and has become one of the top five cancers in Nigeria.
“We are worried about this trend because many people still present late as a result of misdiagnosis,” she said.
She explained that the outreach was aimed at educating both young and old on risk factors, symptoms and the importance of early medical consultation.
According to her, increased awareness would encourage early detection, reduce stigma and improve support for patients.
“We are also using this hiking activity to give hope to those battling the disease and to remind them that cancer is not a death sentence.
“Awareness is still low. Many people do not understand the symptoms, and this is why they do not seek medical help early,” she added.
Okwu urged the Federal Government to establish more cancer treatment facilities, upgrade existing ones and improve welfare for oncologists to curb brain drain in the health sector.
She also called on well-meaning Nigerians to support patients, noting that such assistance could aid early detection and better management of the disease.
Also speaking, Mrs Maimurna Barau, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Maimurna Hope Foundation for Cancer and Ostomy Care, emphasised the importance of early detection.
Barau, a colorectal cancer survivor, said the initiative was aimed at educating the public on warning signs such as blood in stool, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss and abdominal swelling.
She advised individuals experiencing such symptoms to seek prompt medical attention.
“Early detection and timely treatment save lives and reduce emotional and financial burden on families,” she said.
Barau added that increased awareness would help prevent avoidable deaths and improve outcomes for patients.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was supported by the Global Colon Cancer Association, Okapi Children Cancer Foundation and THA Outdoor Tribe, among others.
Data from the World Health Organisation shows that colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally, with about 1.9 million new cases in 2022, and projections show a significant rise in incidence and mortality by 2040.
Incidence is increasing among younger populations worldwide, with annual growth rates of one to three percent, raising concern among experts about shifting risk patterns linked to lifestyle and environmental factors.
In Nigeria and across Africa, colorectal cancer cases are rising steadily, though incidence remains lower than in developed regions, with late diagnosis common due to low awareness, limited screening and misdiagnosis.
(NAN)
