NOT A DEATH SENTENCE

Advancement in cancer care like the use of metronomic chemotherapy and targeted therapies have revolutionised cancer care. In Nigeria however, at least 72.81 percent of cancer cases present at a late stage as reported by the National Library of Medicine in 2022. This factor, with attending financial disability, misconceptions about treatment and inadequate number of cancer specialists in the country remain a bottleneck in cancer management in the country.

Two years back, a patient walk into my clinic, with advanced cervical cancer. She has a history of bleeding from her vagina. Despite her close relationship with a health personnel who tried his best to convince her of a possible diagnosis of cervical cancer, she remained adamant. This is not because she doesn't just believe, but because she had believed another theory for too long. Bleeding only when her husband is in her room could not be understood more than some evil spirits sent by her co-wife. That's what misconception creates.

Another one lost to follow up. Not because she didn't understand the consequences of cancer but because she has financial disability. This is the story of many Nigerian patients. This is why crowd funding becomes necessary.

Every time a cancer patient dies, his death intensifies the misconception that cancer in our environment is indeed a death sentence.

Today is the day to contribute our own part by educating, crowd funding and challenging unfavorable policies. Together we can give hope and support. One patient at a time.

Dr Khadijat Mustapha

Founder, Cancer Gist with Poectormum

NEC chair and sokoto state co-ordinator for Khayr Cancer Health Initiative