As Nigeria joins the world to commemorate 2024 International Cancer Day, the Albinism Association of Nigeria, AAN, has raised alarm over increase in skin cancer cases among individuals with albinism in the country.
President of AAN, Bisi Bamishe, in a statement released in Abuja, warned that without immediate intervention, the situation could become even more dire.
According to Bamishe, every state in Nigeria has reported a minimum of five cases of skin cancer among persons with albinism, with patients losing their lives to this painful and rapidly progressing illness on a monthly basis.
He called for for subsidies on cancer treatment costs, especially for individuals with albinism, to provide financial aid and healthcare insurance.
“The exorbitant expenses associated with cancer treatment can be debilitating, compelling patients to forego care and plunging families into destitution and the scarcity of specialised medical facilities, equipment, and adequately trained personnel poses a substantial obstacle to obtaining the highest quality of care.
“Individuals with albinism face unique challenges in accessing quality healthcare. Marginalized communities are particularly affected, with limited availability of cancer screening and early detection services. A lack of public awareness and resources further hinders their ability to participate in crucial examinations.
“For persons with albinism, this disease is a tougher challenge. It quickly kills if left untreated. A minimum of five individuals have been diagnosed with skin cancer in every state of the federation of Nigeria. Each month, we lose patients with this evil and painful illness. Cancer patients require treatment immediately.
“Early detection is essential for the effective treatment of cancer. Cure probabilities are significantly increased when cancer is detected and treated in its early stages.
“This year’s theme “Close the Care Gap.” focuses on reducing inequalities in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care.
“Persons with albinism, especially those residing in marginalised communities, encounter substantial obstacles in accessing high-quality healthcare. We are faced with restricted availability of screening and early detection initiatives despite the critical nature of early detection in ensuring successful treatment outcomes, numerous individuals are uninformed about or lack the necessary resources to participate in these vital examinations,” he said.
She further stated that the exorbitant expenses associated with cancer treatment can be debilitating, compelling patients to forego care and plunging families into destitution and the scarcity of specialised medical facilities, equipment, and adequately trained personnel poses a substantial obstacle to obtaining the highest quality of care.
She urged the Nigerian government to take immediate action to combat the scourge of the disease by funding public health education campaigns to raise awareness about cancer prevention and early detection.
The association also emphasize the need for affordable and accessible nationwide cancer screening programs.
“We use this medium to call on the Nigerian government towards essential moves to address these disparities in order to attain health outcomes that are equitable.
“We are making some recommendations that we hope will bring much succour to our collective requests. We request the Nigerian government to:
“Fund public health education campaigns: Communities need to learn about cancer prevention, early detection, and risk reduction.
“Promote early detection through inexpensive and equitable cancer screening programmes nationwide.
Subsidise cancer treatment costs:
“Offer financial aid and healthcare insurance to sufferers and their families with a core focus on persons with albinism. Build and strengthen healthcare infrastructure:
“Fund well-equipped cancer treatment centres and train additional oncologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
“Prioritise research and development: Fund local and worldwide cancer therapy and diagnostic research to make it cheaper and more effective,” Bamishe said.
