NICRAT intensifies mass cancer screening for residents, targets early detection

The initiative, according to the DG, was part of its broader plan to build a coordinated national cancer care system that integrates prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

Aliyu said the campaign is being implemented in collaboration with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), describing it as part of a broader strategy to strengthen cancer control through international partnerships and community-based interventions.

“This important initiative is being implemented as a collaboration between NICRAT and the American Association for Cancer Research, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing cancer prevention, early detection, and equitable access to care through global partnership and local action,” he said.

Aliyu, who was represented by Dr. Segun Akanni, explained that the outreach is part of NICRAT’s flagship programme, the National Initiative for Cancer Early Detection, Screening and Coordinated Access to Networked Care (NICE-SCAN), designed to address gaps in early diagnosis and treatment.

According to him, cancer outcomes in Nigeria are still largely affected by late presentation, low screening uptake, and fragmented care systems.

“NICE-SCAN was therefore designed as a comprehensive, systems-level response to these challenges — one that connects communities to services, and services to structured, continuous care,” he said.

Aliyu added that the initiative aims to expand access to population-based screening, strengthen early detection systems, and establish referral networks that link patients to diagnosis and treatment.

He noted that NICRAT is also developing national cancer data systems to enable real-time tracking of patients and improve planning and accountability.

“What we are witnessing here today is the community-facing expression of that national system,” he said.

Aliyu stressed that cancer control must extend beyond hospitals into communities, with stronger engagement and partnerships at all levels.

“Early detection saves lives. When cancer is identified early, treatment outcomes improve significantly, costs are reduced, and survival rates increase,” he said, urging Nigerians to take advantage of screening services and adopt preventive health practices.

NICRAT officials said the choice of location for the outreach was based on findings from a community needs assessment, which identified a higher burden of breast and prostate cancer cases in the semi-urban area.

They noted that the community reflects the demographic characteristics of Bwari Area Council and explained that the intervention is being implemented simultaneously in six communities representing the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory.

The officials added that the outreach is part of an ongoing effort rather than a one-off exercise, stating that beneficiaries and other residents can continue to access the facility for breast cancer screening and follow-up care.

They further disclosed that plans are in place to upgrade the facility to support screening for other types of cancer.

The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to NICRAT and AACR for the outreach, noting that the services would have been costly if paid for out-of-pocket.