The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has called on federal and state governments, the organised private sector, multinational corporations and civil society groups to scale up investment in cancer prevention and control efforts across the country.
President of the society, Abidemi Omonisi, made the appeal during the 2026 World Cancer Day Regional Mega Rally held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at the weekend.
In his address, Omonisi stressed that funding cancer control initiatives should be viewed as a strategic national investment.
“Investment in cancer control is not a cost, but an investment in productivity, national development, and human dignity,” he said.
Speaking on the theme, “United by Unique.”, he explained that Rivers State was selected for the rally in recognition of its commitment to strengthening health infrastructure, particularly in cancer care.
“We acknowledge the strides made through facilities such as the Peter Odili Cardiovascular and Cancer Centre, which represents hope for many families in this region,” he said.
“Bringing the 2026 Regional Mega Rally to Port Harcourt is intentional. It reinforces our message that cancer control must not be centralised in Abuja or Lagos alone. Every geopolitical zone deserves visibility, access, and action.
“The South-South region faces unique environmental, economic, and healthcare access challenges. True to this year’s theme, each region’s cancer burden is unique yet our resolve to confront it is united.”
Addressing what he described as the “Reality of Cancer in Nigeria,” Omonisi warned that the disease is becoming increasingly prevalent.
“Cancer is no longer a distant threat. It is here. It is rising. Yet the tragedy is this: Many cancers are preventable. Many are treatable. Many lives can be saved through early detection,” he said.
He highlighted progress made in recent years, including the establishment of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) and the strengthening of the National Cancer Control Plan (2026–2030).
“We are actively mobilising resources to deploy mobile cancer screening and treatment vans across the six geopolitical zones, ensuring that geography and poverty do not determine survival,” he added.
Over 500 Screened
As part of the rally, more than 500 people benefited from free cancer screening at the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Centre in Port Harcourt. The 65-bed facility was initiated under the administration of former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike and completed last September by the current government led by Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking during the sensitisation and screening exercise, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Justina Jumbo, underscored the importance of early detection.
“We know that cancer is a chronic disease that affects all humans irrespective of their age, their sex, and their race. It affects everybody and it’s due to when certain cells decide to multiply on uncontrollable level. It could occur in any part of the body and it’s a deadly disease and the state government have thought it wise to establish this center,” she said.
Jumbo noted that the centre would significantly reduce the need for medical tourism.
“Before now we used to travel to other states and outside the country for diagnosis and for treatment but now we have the center here. So, we want to sensitise and create the awareness so that people will now start patronising,” she added.
Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Tony Rahme, said the facility is designed to cater to all segments of society and offers specialised services.
“It’s a 65 total bed space based on three main pillars; oncology and advanced oncology surgery, cardiovascular including cardio surgery and kidney transplant and nephrology,” he said.
Rahme disclosed that no fewer than 700 individuals turned out for the free screening exercise and added that the state government would subsidise treatment costs for patients unable to afford care.
The rally and screening exercise form part of broader efforts to expand access to early diagnosis and treatment, as stakeholders push for sustained investment in cancer prevention nationwide.
