As part of efforts to spread awareness and improve care of patients with cancer in Nigeria through prompt diagnosis and treatment, the Ellen Adeyinka Anjorin Cancer Foundation, EAACF brought together health care specialists to educate Nigerians on how to treat and improve the conditions of patients with cancers. The event which was the 4th annual memorial cancer awareness lecture held recently via zoom, with the theme, “Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary care in oncology in Nigeria”, was attended by health care professionals, advocates, cancer survivors and families, among others. Prof. Adeniyi Adenipekun, Keynote Speaker and Radiation Oncologist, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan speaking on the role of the radiation Oncologists, highlighted the burden of cancer and its effects on quality of life of patients globally, as he disclosed that 120,000 new cases of cancer are diagonised annually in the country.
On experts involved in cancer care, he said it is not one person’s job to care for cancer patients but that of many people, including pathologists and palliative care specialists. He listed constraints to the work of radiation oncologists in Nigeria as mostly economic, enlightenment as well as awareness of the populace. Dr. Foluke Samiriye, Guest Speaker and Psycho Oncologist, UCH, Ibadan, speaking on the role of psychooncology in mitigating the burden of caring for patients with cancer, listed depression, anxiety, emotional distress, stigmatisation, anger, fear, among others as nuances that affect the healing of cancer patients. She said the issues with pshycooncology are largely ignored, adding that this should not be because these are things that should be taken care of to mitigate the burden that cancer patients and their families go through. Highlighting coping strategies, Samiriye emphasised on the role of multidisciplinary treatment for patients, adding that it is not just a surgeon or pathologist but everyone coming together to treat patients who have cancers.
Mrs. Tinu Lawal, Special Guest and cancer survivor, while sharing her experience spoke on diagnosis and challenges she encountered when she started radiation oncology treatment. On improvement of the care of patients with cancer in Nigeria, Lawal called on the government to join hands with other stakeholders to provide machines and gadgets needed for smooth and pain-free treatment of cancer. Prince Abidemi Omonisi, Surgeon from Nigeria Cancer society, NCS, emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary approach in cancer care, as he assured on NCS’ readiness to partner with governmental and non-governmental organisations in improving cancer care and research in Nigeria. Mr. Olusegun Anjorin, Founder, and prime mover, EAACF, speaking on the foundation, said it is a registered nongovernmental organisation based in Nigeria, established about three years ago to serve as a living memorial in honour of late Mrs. Ellen Adeyinka Anjorin who passed after battling with cancer of the colon.
According to Anjorin, “What commenced as a small idea few years ago, has now evolved into a covetable institution, making waves in the cancer space both locally and internationally. This enviable stature is credited to the quality delivery of speakers.” He commended speakers from the previous lecture as well as those he described as progressive contributors and influencers, including the foundation’s spiritual Director, Very Rev. Msgr. Livinus Ukah. He said: “The anniversary lecture series is a platform to bring together renowned experts, health care professionals, researchers, advocates, survivors and their families, and it is a testament to our commitment to education, awareness, research and advocacy. “Since we began, this lecture series has been a catalyst for innovative approaches, transformative initiatives and a platform for thought-provoking discussions.”
