A gynaecologist at Asokoro General Hospital in Abuja, Dr Mary Clement has stressed the need for the Federal Government to subsidise cost of cancer screening to improve early diagnosis in the country.

Clement also decried the low response of the public to cancer screening, and emphasised that early diagnosis and detection improve patient outcomes and survival rates, especially for breast and cervical cancers.

She spoke at the OncoSeek Cancer Training for journalists, themed: “Effective Reporting of OncoSeek as an AI-Predictive Early Cancer Diagnostic Tool.” The expert observed that biopsy and imaging, such as MRI scans, when used in early detection of cancer can help in ensuring prompt treatment and possible cure of the aliment.

She said, “Some cervical and breast cancers can be completely treated if caught early, sometimes without chemotherapy or radiotherapy. So, if you test early and cancer is detected early, there are chances for a total cure for some of the cancer varieties.

“But not everyone can afford to pay N10,000 for a hospital test. A roadside worker may not afford to spend N10,000 at the hospital for cancer screening, but if the cost is subsidised, many people will troop out for it. This isn’t just about health—it’s about equity. Access to life-saving diagnostics shouldn’t depend on how much money you have in your pocket.”

Clement regretted that many General Hospitals in the FCT lack dedicated oncology units and appealed to the FCT Minister to build a dedicated cancer centre in Abuja.

She urged women who are approaching menopause and young females who experience frequent bleeding to go for a screening test.

Also speaking, the Deputy Director of Medical Laboratory Services at National hospital in Abuja, Dr Emmanuel Akhaumere, highlighted the importance of accurate diagnosis in the treatment of all diseases, adding that misdiagnosis or drawing blood from the wrong site, could complicate test results and potentially endanger lives.

He called for increased public awareness about proper blood collection and testing procedures for a better outcome.

Akhaumere noted that emerging technologies are making treatment of the disease less cumbersome, adding that the National Hospital is committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance Nigeria’s healthcare capacity and aligning its diagnostic services with global standards.

One of facilitators of the training from Excellion International, organisers of the training, Salomey Eferemo, stated that the training was organised for health reporters in recognition of the crucial role they play in awareness creation about cancer.