Cancer is considered a grave threat because it can spread throughout the body, disrupting normal organ function and eventually causing organ failure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, with an estimated 10 million deaths reported annually.
Additionally, cancer cells can evade the body’s immune system and resist treatment, If not detected and treated early, cancer can become advanced, making it more challenging to manage and potentially leading to a decline in health and, in some cases, death.
Research published in renowned medical journals such as The Lancet Oncology indicates that delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation significantly contribute to the progression of cancer to advanced stages, making it increasingly challenging to manage and potentially leading to adverse health outcomes, including mortality.
Cancer can be treated through various methods depending on factors like the type and stage of cancer. Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and stem cell transplant.
Treatment plans are often personalized to each individual’s condition hence the presence of cancer treatment centers are of foremost importance in the world.
Below is an insight into some of the major cancer treating hospitals in Nigeria
1. National Hospital Abuja
The National Hospital Abuja established its department of radiotherapy and oncology in the year 2000 to treat cancer patients at an affordable price. National Hospital Abuja now boasts of amenities to treat up to a 100 cancer patients daily with well trained medical personnels.
2. Ahmadu Bello University, Teaching Hospital Zaria (ABUTH)
The Radiotherapy and Oncology Centre at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria has been in operation since the year 2000 and is presently one of the leading cancer treatment centers in the country.
ABUTH Zaria has commenced services with technical cooperation support from International Agencies to further improve its operations.
3. Aminu Kano teaching hospital, Kano
Aminu Kano teaching hospital heavily specializes in the treatment of cervical cancer and others. The hospital has seen many successes and has long been a research center for cancer cases in Northern Nigeria.
4. Obafemi Awolowo University teaching hospital Ile Ife, Ibadan
OAUTH is one of the leading cancer centers in the south west and Nigeria. The hospital sees patients from all over the country because of their acclaimed services and is set to expand with more infrastructures.
5. University College Hospital Ibadan
UCH Ibadan is one of the highly regarded cancer centers in the western region. The hospital has hosted clinical trials for breast cancer treatment and is one of the most referred centers in the region and Nigeria at large.
6. Lagos University Teaching Hospital
With a limited number of functional cancer centers in Nigeria, Lagos University Teaching Hospital is one of the leading cancer treatment destinations in West Africa. The hospital is equipped with quality chemotherapy and radiotherapy infrastructures with well learned medical professionals.
7. University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital,Enugu
UNTH Enugu was designated as a center of excellence in cancer treatment. The hospital is specialized in the treatment of various cancers and is the leading cancer treatment centers in the eastern region of the country.
Alongside these cancer treatment centers there are more upcoming ones both in the public and private sectors. The above-mentioned hospitals are set to establish more cancer facilities with the aid of the government to provide better treatment and give hope for cancer patients in Nigeria who can’t afford to make a trip abroad.
