The Burden of Cancer Why We Must Care

Cancer is recognized as one of the most impactful diseases on the planet today. There is a great need to focus on non-communicable diseases, such as cancer. In its report on Global Cancer, the American Cancer Society writes that by 2030, there will be an estimated 21.7 new cancer cases and 13 million cancer deaths. Death from cancer falls second only to death from cardiovascular disease.


Women and Breast Cancer

  • Worldwide incidence of breast cancer as tripled since 1980 (1.6 million cases in 2010)
  • It is the most common type of female cancer in Nigeria, yet there are only 24 functional mammogram machines
  • Early detection of breast cancer has a 90% survival rate
  • 75-80% of breast cancers in Nigeria are round in the late stages
  • In 2008, in Nigeria there were about 18,935 patients with breast cancer and over 55% of them died.

Men and Prostate Cancer

  • Prostate Cancer is the most common male cancer in Nigeria
  • In 2008, in Nigeria there were 7,317 cases of prostate cancer and 80% of them died

Childhood Cancer

  • The chances of surviving 5 years after being diagnosed with childhood cancer is about 5% in sub-Saharan Africa
  • 75-80% of all childhood cancers can be cured




SOURCE: GLOBOCAN2012