FG declares fight against prostrate Cancer

By Idu Jude
The Federal Government of Nigeria says it is ready to kick-off the International Registry to improve outcomes in men with advanced prostate cancer in Nigeria (IROMAN).

The Minister of Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire made this known in Abuja Thursday during a press briefing to usher in the campaign.

According to the Minister, the incidence of cancer of all types has assumed alarming dimensions globally, including in Nigeria. Based on data from our cancer Registries, there was a total of 115, 950 cancer cases and 70, 372 cancer-related deaths in Nigeria in 2018.

He said, “prostate cancer is the commonest type of cancer among Nigerian men. It is also known to be more common in men of African stock than of European stocks. Unfortunately, many prostate cancer cases in Nigeria present late to facilities, due to inadequate awareness and routine screening programs and misdiagnosis in early stages”

Further speaking, the Minister said that project of this nature that is intended to document the occurrence of prostate cancer and monitor outcomes, is welcome. “Nigeria has a robust system of cancer registration currently being managed by the Nigeria National System of Cancer Registries, which is operational in almost all centers you have chosen to pilot this project. I am, therefore, optimistic that the project will strengthen the activities of the Cancer Registries.

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“I wish to commend the sponsors of the International Registry, the Prostate Cancer Clinical Trial Consortium (PCCTC), the National Principal Investigator, the zonal coordinator of Transatlantic Prostate Cancer Consortium (CaPTC) and all other persons working to ensure that this project succeeds, and urge them to strive to improve outcomes in men with advanced Prostate Cancer in Nigeria.

We are delighted to be participating, along with South Africa, in this project, which is expected to run till 2029. It is my hope that before the expiration of the project, the story of prostate cancer survivors will change for the better, as the programme meets its objectives”

As a matter of advanced technology, targeted at improving the health of Nigerians, he remarked that the Federal Ministry of Health welcomes scientific programs that enhance and improve the health system; you may, therefore, rest assured of government support to actualize the objectives of this Prostate Cancer Clinical Trial Consortium.

“With these remarks, it is my privilege to hereby flag off the activation of the International Registry to improve outcomes in men with Advanced Prostate Cancer in Nigeria, for the benefit of prostate cancer patients and furtherance of knowledge”