Foundation Advocates for Heightened Awareness to Alleviate Colorectal Cancer Burden in Nigeria
The David Omenukor Foundation has issued a compelling call for increased public awareness, early detection, routine screening, and the reduction of stigma surrounding colorectal cancer. This initiative aims to mitigate the escalating burden of the disease across Nigeria. The appeal was made during the Blue Hat Bow Tie Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaign, organized by the foundation in collaboration with the Nigerian Cancer Society (Imo State Chapter) and the Global Colon Cancer Association.
Event Highlights and Key Messages
The campaign brought together numerous participants for comprehensive screening exercises, health education sessions, and expert-led workshops designed to address the critical issue of late-stage cancer diagnoses. Speaking at the event, Chioma Uzodimma, the Wife of the Imo State Governor, represented by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu, emphasized the vital importance of early detection through regular screening and the adoption of healthy lifestyles. She highlighted the need to reduce risk factors associated with poor diet, excessive weight, and physical inactivity.
Uzodimma urged the public to remain vigilant for symptoms such as persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal discomfort, and unexplained fatigue. She advised that prompt medical attention should be sought immediately upon noticing these signs. Commending the foundation's intervention, she reaffirmed her commitment to cancer advocacy through initiatives like the Good Hope Women Flourish Initiative and First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), calling for sustained awareness efforts to break the silence and stigma surrounding colorectal cancer.
Expert Insights on Early Detection and Prevention
Dr. Christopher Ekwunife, a Consultant at the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Owerri, delivered a presentation titled Breaking the Silence on Colorectal Cancer. He highlighted the growing concern of early-onset colorectal cancer in developing countries, stressing that timely screening remains the most effective preventive strategy. Ekwunife noted that deaths linked to colorectal cancer can be prevented if the disease is detected early, stating, "At an early stage, it is easier to treat, less expensive, and has fewer long-term consequences. These are preventable deaths if detected early."
Other speakers contributed valuable perspectives: Dr. Ijeoma Dozie discussed Food as Medicine in Reducing Cancer Burden, while Prof. Evangeline Oparaocha addressed the importance of disease screening in Nigeria, covering myths, realities, and the way forward. Dr. Okechukwu Duru, the Imo State Chairman of the Nigerian Cancer Society, underscored the necessity of grassroots engagement in cancer prevention and control. Additionally, Dr. Victor Nwachukwu, the Commissioner for Tertiary and Technical Education, pledged to disseminate knowledge from the workshop to students in tertiary institutions for broader societal benefit.
Founder's Call to Action and Challenges Identified
Earlier in the event, Dr. Keyna Omenukor, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the David Omenukor Foundation, stressed the urgent need for individuals to take proactive steps toward their health by embracing regular screening and open discussions on colorectal cancer. She noted that colorectal cancer is an increasing public health concern in Nigeria and is now among the most common cancers in the country. According to her, thousands of new cases are recorded yearly, with many patients diagnosed under the age of 50, often at advanced stages.
Omenukor identified key risk factors, including:
- Low-fibre, high-fat diets
- Physical inactivity and obesity
- Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking
She also pointed to medical risk factors such as family history, genetic predisposition, and inflammatory bowel disease, alongside systemic challenges like poor awareness and a lack of routine screening programmes. "Mortality is high, largely due to delayed diagnosis and limited access to care. The burden is not just in the number of cases, but in the high death rate driven by late detection and weak health systems," she explained.
Major challenges highlighted include late presentation, financial constraints, weak healthcare infrastructure, and cultural beliefs and myths, such as spiritual interpretations of the disease and fear of cancer as a death sentence. Omenukor also noted a significant shortage of specialists in Nigeria, particularly gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, oncologists, oncology nurses, and diagnostic experts.
Workshop Objectives and Recommendations
The workshop aimed to achieve several key objectives:
- Educate the public and healthcare providers on symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies.
- Encourage early health-seeking behavior among individuals.
- Improve access to screening and referral systems.
- Strengthen collaboration among stakeholders to enhance cancer outcomes.
Omenukor recommended healthy lifestyles, regular screening, and sustained awareness and education as essential strategies in the fight against colorectal cancer. She emphasized that collective action and ongoing efforts are crucial to reducing the disease's impact on Nigerian society.
