16 Nigerian states lack clinical oncologists — NCS

The President and CEO of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), Abidemi Omonisi, has revealed that 16 states across Nigeria do not have clinical oncologists — medical doctors specially trained to manage and treat cancer patients.

Omonisi made the disclosure in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the launch of Oncoseek, a new blood-based diagnostic tool for early detection of nine high-mortality cancers. The event was part of a two-day workshop organized by the National Technical Working Group on the development of National Nuclear Medicine Guidelines and Policy.

He expressed deep concern over the absence of these critical specialists in many states, describing it as a major setback in the fight against cancer in Nigeria.

“Managing cancer is not like treating malaria. It requires a multidisciplinary team, including oncology nurses, pharmacists, and most importantly, clinical oncologists,” Omonisi said.

“Without clinical oncologists, cancer care in these 16 states is suboptimal.”

Although he declined to name the affected states, he noted that the lack of trained personnel, poor data management, and the absence of designated cancer officers in many states are hindering effective interventions.

“Some states don’t even have basic diagnostic equipment like mammograms, forcing patients to travel long distances for cancer screening,” he added.

Omonisi, a renowned anatomic pathologist with expertise in cancer epidemiology and molecular pathology, acknowledged progress by the federal government in cancer prevention and control. However, he stressed that the gaps at the state and local levels remain significant.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, admitted that the cancer burden in Nigeria is growing and called for the deployment of all available tools and strategies to combat it.

He highlighted ongoing federal initiatives, including the establishment of six cancer centres of excellence across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, aimed at improving access to quality cancer care.

The launch of Oncoseek is seen as a promising step toward early cancer detection and better outcomes for patients.