The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has raised concerns over the rising cases of cancer among young Nigerians.

Speaking at a symposium in Abuja on Tuesday during the premiere of Blood in My Stool, a documentary organised by Project PINK BLUE in collaboration with the Global Colon Cancer Association, in commemoration of the 2025 World Cancer Day, the minister urged urgent action to tackle health inequities, late diagnoses, and financial barriers that turn treatable conditions into fatal ones.

The documentary shed light on Nigeria?s growing colorectal cancer burden, a disease responsible for 5,912 deaths in 2022 alone.

The film featured survivor testimonies and expert insights on early detection, where Candace Henley of the Global Colon Cancer Association stressed its role in raising awareness and advocating for equitable care.

A survivor in the documentary, Yemisi Daodu shared how early detection saved her life, urging action on healthcare inequities and financial barriers to treatment.

Once considered a disease of old age, colorectal cancer now affects many young Nigerians.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, it was the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in Nigeria in 2022, with 5,912 of 8,114 diagnosed cases resulting in death.

Olawande stressed that the numbers represent real people, parents, siblings, and young professionals, who could have survived with early detection and treatment, adding that the high cost of cancer care remains a major challenge, often pushing families into financial distress.

The Minister emphasized the government?s commitment to increasing funding for cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, highlighting initiatives like the National Cancer Health Fund and the inclusion of the HPV vaccine in Nigeria?s immunization programme to prevent cervical cancer.

He also outlined several youth development programs under the Tinubu administration aimed at improving young Nigerians? well-being.

While reaffirming the government?s commitment to ensuring access to healthcare, economic opportunities, and a thriving environment, Olawande urged young people to take charge of their health by getting screened, vaccinated, and adopting healthier lifestyles.

He, however, warned against smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, both linked to increased cancer risks while encouraging regular exercise and balanced diets.

Olawande also reminded the attendees that blood in the stool should never be ignored while calling for collective action to reduce Nigeria?s colorectal cancer burden, emphasizing that a healthy youth population is essential for the country?s future.

Following the screening, a panel of survivors, healthcare administrators, and advocates discussed the urgent need for better funding and access to treatment.

Mide Agboola, a breast cancer survivor, shared her struggle with the financial burden of treatment.

She recounted how many patients are forced to choose between food and lifesaving care while lamenting that initiatives like the Cancer Health Fund exist, but accessing them remains difficult.

She criticized the misallocation of public funds, arguing that resources should be redirected to essential healthcare.

Janet Ekpenyong, former Commissioner of Health, Cross River State, acknowledged the severe funding gap in cancer care, with over 70 percent of Nigerians paying out of pocket.

While she highlighted the government?s struggle to prioritize cancer treatment due to limited healthcare funding, the former Commissioner called for better resource allocation, stronger preventive measures, and improved screenings at primary healthcare centres to detect cancer early.

Uzor Ngoladi, Head of Research & Publication at Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, representing former Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka, emphasized the need for sustained advocacy to ensure increased government funding for cancer treatment.

He noted that awareness remains low, and cancer is often wrongly perceived as a disease affecting only the wealthy.

Gloria Nwajiogu, President of the Network of People Impacted by Cancer in Nigeria, described the long fight to establish the Cancer Health Fund.

She recalled how delays in its implementation left many patients without support while regretting that despite the fund?s eventual rollout, accessing it remains a challenge due to bureaucratic hurdles.

She, however, urged the government to streamline the process, ensuring that cancer patients receive timely assistance.

Speakers at the event called for urgent action to improve healthcare funding, ensure equitable access to treatment, and strengthen preventive measures. (The Nation)

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