Medical experts have raised concerns about the rising incidence of colorectal cancer, warning that Nigeria is not adequately prepared to implement effective screening programmes despite the disease increasingly affecting younger individuals and contributing significantly to global cancer deaths.
Dr Sunday Chukwudike Evaristus, a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist and Director of Endoscopy Services at the Redus Centre for Digestive Health in Lagos, expressed concern about the current state of cancer detection in the country, noting that colorectal cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger individuals.
He spoke at the 10th scientific conference and national workshop of the Society for Nurses in Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Surgery Nigeria (SNEMIS-NG) with the theme “Stronger Together: Collaborative Innovations in Endoscopy, Colorectal Cancer Screening, and Minimally Invasive Surgery”.
According to Evaristus, colorectal cancer has become a major global health challenge, with studies from several African countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, and Burkina Faso, indicating that approximately 14 to 15 per cent of diagnosed patients are under the age of 30.
“We have seen patients diagnosed as young as 27. Research across several African countries shows that a significant number of cases occur in people under 30 years of age,” he said.
He stressed that early detection remains the most effective way to reduce deaths from the disease, urging the country to transition from opportunistic screening to a well-structured national screening programme.
Evaristus explained that in many developed countries, screening procedures such as colonoscopies are widely used and often require bookings months in advance due to high demand.
Also speaking, Dr Timi Adenuga, a surgeon and founder of the Getslim Bariatric Centre in Abuja, said that Nigeria currently lacks a structured national screening programme, resulting in many patients seeking medical help only when the disease has progressed to advanced stages.
Adenuga added that genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the aggressive nature of cancers among people of African descent and therefore called on the government to intensify public awareness campaigns and subsidise screening services to encourage early detection.
“We need to be more proactive in terms of government support, through subsidised screening procedures, public education, and other measures that will encourage people to undergo early screening,” he said.
Meanwhile, Professor Chioma Asuzu, President of the International Psycho-Oncology Society, called for the integration of psychosocial care into cancer management, stressing that effective treatment must extend beyond physical interventions to address patients’ emotional and social needs.
According to Asuzu, modern cancer care requires a holistic approach that considers psychological and social factors alongside surgery, chemotherapy, and other medical treatments.
She noted that cancer patients often experience psychological distress, including fear, anxiety, depression, social isolation, and stigma, which can negatively affect treatment outcomes if not properly addressed.
The professor emphasised the importance of psychosocial screening in cancer care to facilitate the early detection of emotional distress and provide timely psychological support.
Asuzu also highlighted several barriers to integrating psycho-oncology into cancer care in Nigeria, including limited political commitment, a shortage of trained specialists, inadequate national policies, and cultural stigma surrounding mental health.
She called for stronger government commitment, expanded training for healthcare professionals, and increased investment in research and education in psycho-oncology.
In addition, Asuzu urged medical institutions to incorporate psycho-oncology training into health education curricula to enable healthcare providers to better address the emotional and psychological needs of cancer patients.
She added that improved psychosocial support would help patients cope more effectively with treatment, enhance communication between healthcare providers and patients, and ultimately lead to better overall cancer care outcomes.