Gloria Cancer Foundation urges FG to intensify colorectal cancer awareness

Health

ABUJA, NIGERIA, 30 March 2026 (NPA) — The Gloria Cancer Foundation has called on the Federal Government to step up awareness campaigns on colorectal cancer, warning that cases have tripled in Nigeria over the past four decades.

Speaking during a hiking event tagged “Blue Hat Bow Tie” to mark Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Founder Mrs Gloria Okwu expressed concern that the disease has become one of the top five cancers in Nigeria, with many patients presenting late due to low awareness and frequent misdiagnosis.

“Colorectal cancer has tripled in incidence over the last 40 years and is now among the top five cancers in Nigeria. We are worried because many people still present late as a result of misdiagnosis,” she said.

She explained that the outreach aimed to educate both young and old on risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early medical consultation. According to her, increased awareness would encourage early detection, reduce stigma, and improve patient support.

Okwu urged the Federal Government to establish more cancer treatment centres, upgrade existing facilities, and improve welfare for oncologists to curb brain drain in the health sector. She also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to support patients, noting that such assistance could aid early detection and better management.

Mrs Maimurna Barau, Founder and CEO of Maimurna Hope Foundation for Cancer and Ostomy Care, and herself a colorectal cancer survivor, stressed the importance of recognising warning signs such as blood in stool, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal swelling. She advised individuals experiencing such symptoms to seek prompt medical attention, noting that “early detection and timely treatment save lives and reduce emotional and financial burden on families.”

The event was supported by the Global Colon Cancer Association, Okapi Children Cancer Foundation, and THA Outdoor Tribe.

According to World Health Organisation data, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally, with 1.9 million new cases recorded in 2022. Projections indicate a significant rise in incidence and mortality by 2040, with younger populations increasingly affected due to lifestyle and environmental factors.

In Nigeria and across Africa, cases are steadily rising, though incidence remains lower than in developed regions. Late diagnosis, limited screening, and misdiagnosis remain major challenges.

(NAN)