Source: PUNCH HEALTH WISE
Urgent Advocacy Needed for Rare but Dangerous Disease
Health experts, medical professionals, and advocates have called for urgent public awareness and early detection strategies to combat kidney cancer in Nigeria. The call came during a symposium in Abuja marking the 2025 World Kidney Cancer Day.
The event, organized by Move Against Cancer Africa (MACA) with support from the International Kidney Cancer Coalition (IKCC), brought together doctors, urologists, oncologists, public health experts, and cancer survivors to discuss ways to close gaps in kidney cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Silent but Lethal: The Challenge of Early Symptoms
Dr. Uchechukwu Shagaya, Senior Consultant Oncologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, and Chairperson of the Cancer Committee at the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), highlighted the asymptomatic nature of kidney cancer, stressing that most patients present at advanced stages.
“It can be as subtle as foamy urine or just a vague feeling of being unwell,” she said. “But when caught early, treatment outcomes are significantly better.”
Dr. Shagaya emphasized the importance of awareness campaigns, routine screenings, and avoiding self-medication to increase early detection rates.
Risk Factors and Diagnosis Challenges
Dr. Onwuasoanya Uzodinma, Consultant Urologist and Kidney Transplant Surgeon at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, reiterated the complexity of diagnosing kidney cancer, noting it often mimics other conditions.
He listed key risk factors such as:
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Obesity
- Radiation exposure
- Genetic predisposition
“Early detection opens up curative options such as surgery and targeted therapy,” he said. “Unfortunately, most Nigerian patients arrive late, and by then, treatment becomes palliative.”
Gaps in Care and the Way Forward
MACA official Isaac Joseph explained the symposium aimed to identify gaps in access to care, early diagnosis, and policy advocacy.
“This is part of IKCC’s global Seed and Growth initiative. We brought together stakeholders to review kidney cancer survey findings and brainstorm localized solutions,” Joseph said.
He urged government agencies, healthcare workers, and civil society to take kidney cancer seriously.
Power of Information and Early Diagnosis
Public Health Researcher, Ogechukwu Akabuike, stressed the importance of health communication and digital outreach.
“When people are empowered with the right information, they make informed health choices,” she said. “Early diagnosis is cheaper and more effective than managing complications.”
The event concluded with a presentation of Nigeria’s Kidney Cancer Patient Survey findings by Dr. Abiodun Egwuenu, and a panel discussion focused on practical action plans.
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