February 4th marked World Cancer Day, a crucial reminder of the urgent need to raise awareness about this life-altering disease. In Nigeria, cancer incidence increases with age, with breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer being the most prevalent.
Sadly, we frequently encounter late diagnoses, leading to increased mortality rates. This underscores the critical need for proactive measures, including increased access to preventive care such as regular screenings and vaccinations.
Cervical cancer, for instance, is largely preventable through vaccination. Similarly, early detection significantly improves breast cancer survival rates.
Cancer is more than just a diagnosis; it is a deeply personal matter and should be treated as such. People living with cancer don’t always feel heard, seen, or understood. They might feel alienated and voiceless, especially by doctors and family members, at a time when they’re also learning to navigate an unfamiliar and confusing health system, not to mention dealing with the emotional highs and lows of cancer diagnosis, treatment, or recovery. There is a need for personal compassionate care that fits exactly into what they need and how they need it. Care that meets them exactly where they are. This approach to care is termed as people-centered care.