LUTH registers 300 cases of childhood cancer in a year

The Lagos University Hospital (LUTH) recorded 300 cases of childhood cancer last year, according to Dr. Abidemi Omonisi, a consultant pathologist.

Dr. Omonisi made this disclosure during the review of the Program of Action for Cancer Therapy (imPACT) held in Abuja on Tuesday.

Childhood cancer on the rise

The imPACT review, a division of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), focuses on assessing countries’ cancer control capabilities, identifying key challenges and addressing gaps to improve future cancer control strategies.

Dr. Omonisi stressed that the rising number of childhood cancer cases in Nigeria calls for urgent attention, noting a shift in focus from traditionally prioritized cancers such as breast, cervical and prostate.

“Our registry data indicates that children also get cancer, including hereditary types. During my consultancy at LUTH, we identified a changing trend, with leukemia replacing Burkitt’s lymphoma as the most common cancer among children “. said Omonisi.

The first population-based childhood cancer registry in Nigeria

The LUTH Cancer Registry, according to Omonisi, will serve as the first population-based childhood cancer registry in Nigeria, providing critical data for analysis and policy formulation.

“We plan to analyze the data collected in December and the findings will guide policy recommendations to the government,” Omonisi added, stating that the aim is to replicate the childhood cancer registry in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

International support for cancer control in Nigeria

Laura Haskins, representing the IAEA, explained that the federal government requested the imPACT review to assess Nigeria’s cancer control capabilities and needs.

“The IAEA, in partnership with WHO and IARC, provides technical support to countries that wish to strengthen their cancer control frameworks. Our assessment will be tailored to the specific needs of Nigeria.” Haskins said.

Stakeholder collaboration for comprehensive cancer control

Professor Musa Ali-Gombe, Director of Clinical Services at the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), highlighted the importance of stakeholder collaboration in addressing gaps in cancer control.

“The aim of this review is to engage stakeholders in Nigeria including academic institutions, professional medical associations, NGOs and CSOs involved in cancer advocacy. Their contributions will be crucial in ‘draw up a comprehensive document for the government to apply’. said Ali-Gombe.

What you should know

• Childhood cancer is relatively rare compared to adult cancers, but it remains one of the leading causes of disease-related death in children. Every year, thousands of children are diagnosed worldwide.
• The most common types of childhood cancer include leukemia (blood cancer), brain and bone marrow tumors, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor (kidney cancer), lymphoma, and bone cancers such as osteosarcoma.
• Symptoms can be vague and easily confused with other illnesses. Common signs include unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, frequent infections, unusual bleeding, and lumps.

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