The University of Ibadan Alumni Association (Worldwide) and the University College Hospital, UCH, have raised alarm over the increasing number of cancer patients in the country.
The university alumni while briefing newsmen said, projected research has shown that cancer-related deaths will increase by 68 per cent before 2030.
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The high cost of treatment, fear to speak up, lack of access to medical facilities, near absence of oncology and diagnostic centres in the country have been adduced, as some of the reasons for the increased cases of cancer in the country.
The President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association Worldwide, Professor Else Adewoye, says the burden of cancer in Nigeria is large and growing, and remains a major challenge in low and medium-income countries, revealing also that the association has decided to establish a N2bn diagnostic centre at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, and hopes that well-meaning Nigerians will join the noble cause.
The representative of the Chief Medical Director of UCH, Professor Adeniyi Adenipekun, lauded the initiative, saying the timing of the project is apt.
He said the initiative will allow for early detection, as there will be easy access to facilities.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
