Health care
Cancer Is Not Always Death Sentence: Oncologist
Cancer Is Not Always Death Sentence: Oncologist
Cancer is not always death sentence: oncologist. “Cancer is not always a death sentence; early detection saves lives,” an oncologist at UCH said.
An oncologist, Adebayo Oladeji, on Wednesday underscored the urgent need to strengthen nationwide cancer screening to enhance early detection and management.
Mr Oladeji, a consultant radiation and clinical oncologist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, made this known following the commemoration of World Cancer Day.
According to him, early detection of the disease through screening could save an individual.
“Cancer is not always a death sentence; early detection saves lives,” he said.
World Cancer Day is a global awareness day organised by the Union for International Cancer Control on February 4 to raise awareness of cancer and encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.
Mr Oladeji harped on the need for Nigeria to expand decentralised cancer care, invest in radiotherapy, pathology, and diagnostic services, and integrate palliative care at all levels to reduce financial barriers through improved insurance coverage and public funding.
According to him, collective action today will lead to fewer late-stage diagnoses, better survival outcomes and reduced suffering, adding that cancer incidence in Nigeria is steadily rising in both adults and children.
Mr Oladeji noted that this increase is driven by population growth, increasing life expectancy, lifestyle changes, environmental exposures, and improving diagnostic capacity.
He expressed concern that most patients present themselves late and often with advanced disease, which he said significantly reduces chances of survival and increases the cost and complexity of care.
Mr Oladeji said that the Federal Ministry of Health established the National Cancer Control Programme and is upgrading oncology services in selected federal teaching hospitals across the geopolitical zones, including UCH, Ibadan.
He added that initiatives such as the Cancer Access Partnership and Cancer Health Fund are improving access to chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and selected targeted treatments.
“UCH is one of Nigeria’s leading centres of excellence for cancer care, with a full multidisciplinary team covering the entire cancer care pathway, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and follow-up.
This includes pathologists, radiologists, surgical oncologists, gynaecologic oncologists, haematologist-oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation and clinical oncologists, and psycho-oncologists.
“UCH is the first and currently the only centre in West Africa offering High-Dose-Rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer, a highly specialised form of radiotherapy. Despite these strengths, significant gaps remain, particularly in radiotherapy equipment availability and capacity.
“While progress has been made, facilities and resources remain insufficient to meet the growing cancer burden; many Nigerians still travel long distances or experience long waiting times for diagnosis and treatment,” he said.
According to him, although the government plans to leverage the six cancer centres to expand screening across all geopolitical zones, routine screening access remains limited for many Nigerians.
While expressing concerns that cancer care is still largely funded out-of-pocket by patients, he noted that late diagnosis, combined with inequitable access to affordable, quality cancer care, also posed a challenge.
Cancer Is Not Always Death Sentence
“Nigeria’s National Cancer Control Plan recognises palliative care as a core pillar, but implementation has been suboptimal, with services concentrated mainly in tertiary centres. Ongoing advocacy continues for the integration of palliative care at all levels of the health system, from primary to tertiary care,” he said.
Meanwhile, he noted that cancer risk could be significantly reduced through evidence-based measures like avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Among others, he also advised people to engage in regular physical activity, HPV vaccination and safe sexual practices for cervical cancer prevention.
“People should always participate in age-appropriate cancer screening (breast, cervical, prostate) and avoid excessive sun exposure, particularly among people with albinism, and limit exposure to known carcinogens,” he said.
Police: Directorate Of Force Medical Services Receives Donated Medical Consumables
The atmosphere was one of glamour and excitement as DIG Mohammed Aminu Yesufu, (Rtd), mni, NPM, BSC, LLB, BL, LLM, celebrated his 72nd birthday in grand style.
The birthday festivities began with a visit to the School of the Blind, where the celebrant graciously donated essential school materials to support the students’ academic journey.
Eereporter.com
Continuing his charitable endeavors, on 30th April 2026, DIG Yesufu MA, alongside his family and friends, visited the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital, Area 11, Garki, to donate medical consumables for the benefit of several hospitals, including:
1. Police Hospital, Dei Dei
2. Police Hospital, Area 1
3. Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital, Area 11
4. Police National Reference Hospital, Utako.
The donated items comprised sphygmomanometers (mercury-based), stethoscopes, antimalarial drugs for both children and adults, antihypertensives, and other essential medical consumables.
Police
The event was graced by the celebrant’s wife, Mrs. Ame Yesufu, and distinguished personalities including the Pioneer Force Medical Director, AIG Dr. Nkechi Eze, as well as former Force Medical Officers: AIG Dr. Grace Okudo (Rtd), AIG Dr. Adenike Abuah (Rtd), AIG Joseph Eribo, AIG Armament, Chairman, Nigeria Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (NAPRON)., AIG Paul Ochonu (Rtd), Dr. Yusuf Gazali, MD/CEO PHML, and other senior officers, both retired and serving.
The celebration provided an opportunity for friends, colleagues, and acquaintances to honor DIG Yesufu MA, reflecting on his remarkable journey and lasting impact.
_Force Medical Services, Where Relevance Meets Impact_
SP Eze Chidiebere K, _R.DTh, MNIPR_
Force Medical PR Liaison Officer,
Directorate of Force Medical Services,
Abuja.
Health care
NNPC Commissions, Hands Over Rehabilitated Wards To National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi
NNPC Commissions, Hands Over Rehabilitated Wards To National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi
In keeping with its commitment to impact positively on the lives of Nigerians, NNPC Limited has commissioned and handed over three units of 100-bed capacity wards it rehabilitated as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility to the management of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos.
The intervention carried out by the NNPC Foundation Ltd./Gte., the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of NNPC Limited, involved the rehabilitation and upgrade of Wards G, H, and J, complete with the installation of new beds and the introduction of a central medical gas system designed to enhance the standard of care provided by the hospital.
Eereporter.com
The rehabilitation also included the replacement of roofing and ceiling of the Wards, upgrade of electrical and mechanical systems, and installation of new vinyl floors in all three wards.
Prior to the intervention, the wards were in a state that limited their use, which in turn constrained the hospital’s in-patient care capacity.
Speaking at the commissioning and handover ceremony, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, explained that the concept of profitability in NNPC Limited is not restricted to increase in production and revenue alone, as it embraces the level of social impact the company makes.
The GCEO, who was represented by the Chief Financial Officer, Adedapo Segun, said the Company is proud of the rehabilitation and upgrade work done in the hospital’s wards, because of its immense social impact.
On her part, Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, said through the intervention, NNPC Foundation has helped to strengthen a facility that has served Nigerians for many decades.
“Beyond the immediate benefits, this effort reflects the role NNPC Foundation plays as the social impact arm of NNPC Limited. Our focus remains on practical interventions that improve lives and align with national priorities in healthcare”, she stated.
Providing further view into the project, the Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Dr. Wakeel Lawal, said the Management was constrained by the dire situation of the facilities to write to NNPC Foundation for intervention.
He expressed gratitude to the Management of NNPC Limited for granting the request and delivering an outstanding transformation in bringing the wards to international standards, stressing that what NNPC Limited has done goes beyond rehabilitation. It represents a renewal of hope. The commissioning and handover was witnessed by NNPC Ltd.’s Executive Vice President – Business Services, Mrs Sophia Mbakwe.
NNPC
Highlight of the event was the commissioning and unveiling of a commemoration plaque by the representative of the GCEO in company of the Chief Medical Director of the hospital and H.R.H. Alhaji Rodiyallahu Alabi Yunusa, Baale of Bajulaiye Community in Somolu, who represented the Oba of Somolu, HRM Oba Kazeem Bashua as the Royal Father of the day.
Economy
NNPC: Commissioning, Handover Of Rehabilitated Hospital Wards At National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi
NNPC: Commissioning, Handover Of Rehabilitated Hospital Wards At National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi
This intervention forms part of the NNPC Foundation Ltd./Gte’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure across Nigeria, ensuring that more patients receive care in decent, functional facilities.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th April 2026, the NNPC Foundation Ltd./Gte., the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of NNPC Limited, will commission and hand over three fully rehabilitated hospital wards with a 100-bed capacity at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos State.
Eereporter.com
The event is scheduled to begin at 11:00 am prompt.
NNPC
This intervention forms part of the NNPC Foundation Ltd./Gte’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure across Nigeria, ensuring that more patients receive care in decent, functional facilities.
Watch the commissioning LIVE on the NNPC Limited YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nnpclimited/streams
-
Crime12 months agoKogi Assembly Considers Law To Regulate Rent, Establish Control Board: Tenancy Law
-
News1 year agoAtiku Reveals Why He Failed To Pick Wike As Running Mate In 2023
-
Akwa Ibom1 year agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New Territorial Chairman, Exco
-
Crime1 year agoFederal High Court Jails 2 For Vandalizing Transformer, Telecom Mast In Kogi
-
News1 year agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New National President, Executive
-
Akwa Ibom1 year agoUmo Eno Commences Payment Of 80,000 Naira Minimum Wage With Arrears
-
News1 year agoSenator Natasha Returns To Senate With Husband Amid Seat Dispute
-
Economy12 months agoKiyosaki: Is Tinubu’s Government Afraid Of Ibrahim Traore?