RISING CANCER CARE COSTS DRIVE PATIENTS AWAY FROM TREATMENT, EXPERT WARNS

The high cost of cancer treatment in Nigeria is forcing some patients to discontinue care, with health experts warning that the financial burden of managing the disease is putting life-saving treatment beyond the reach of many families.

The concern was raised amid growing worries over the affordability and accessibility of cancer care in the country, particularly for patients who require prolonged treatment and repeated hospital visits.

Experts said cancer treatment often involves several stages of care, including diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, medication and follow-up consultations. The cumulative cost can become overwhelming for patients and their families, especially when treatment extends over a long period.

The financial pressure is reportedly causing some patients to abandon treatment before completing their prescribed care, increasing the risk of complications and poorer outcomes.

For many families, the challenge begins with the cost of diagnosis. Patients may need to undergo several tests and scans before doctors can determine the type and stage of cancer and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Once treatment begins, expenses can continue to accumulate through medication, hospital bills, transportation and other related costs.

Experts noted that the situation is particularly difficult for low-income households that have limited access to health insurance or other forms of financial support.

The high cost of cancer drugs and other medical services has also become a major concern, with patients sometimes struggling to maintain treatment schedules when they cannot afford the required medication or procedures.

Health professionals have therefore called for stronger government intervention and improved healthcare financing mechanisms to reduce the financial burden on cancer patients.

They stressed that early detection remains important because cancers identified at an earlier stage are generally more manageable and can reduce the complexity and cost of treatment.

However, experts said awareness alone would not be enough if patients cannot afford to continue treatment after receiving a diagnosis.

They urged the government to strengthen cancer-care facilities, improve access to affordable medicines and expand health insurance coverage so that patients are not forced to choose between treatment and meeting other basic household needs.

The situation also highlights the need for greater investment in cancer prevention, screening and early detection programmes across the country.

Experts said expanding screening services and encouraging Nigerians to seek medical attention when they notice unusual symptoms could help detect cancers earlier and improve treatment outcomes.

They also called for stronger support systems for patients and their families, including financial assistance and counselling services.

The warning comes as Nigeria continues to face significant challenges in providing affordable healthcare to its growing population.

For cancer patients, the consequences of unaffordable treatment can be particularly severe because interruptions in care may reduce the chances of successful treatment.

Experts therefore stressed that cancer care should not become a financial burden that forces patients to abandon potentially life-saving treatment.

They called for coordinated action involving government agencies, healthcare providers, insurers, development partners and private-sector organisations to make cancer diagnosis and treatment more accessible to Nigerians.