Many Nigerians dismiss early signs of illness, unaware that something deadly could be growing inside them. For thousands, colorectal cancer, affecting the colon and rectum, goes unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage. Unlike breast or cervical cancer, which receive widespread awareness, colorectal cancer remains largely ignored, silently claiming lives.
In 2022, 8,114 Nigerians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and a staggering 5,912 died, a 70% fatality rate. Late detection, poor access to treatment, and low awareness make it one of the deadliest cancers. However, hope is on the horizon. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), a world leader in cancer research and treatment, is partnering with Nigerian medical professionals to change this narrative. Through early screening programs, genetic research, and specialized training for doctors, MSK is improving diagnosis and treatment. In this report, Chinyere Okoroafor explores the crisis, the challenges patients face, and efforts to ensure early detection and survival.
Colorectal cancer is becoming a growing health crisis in Nigeria, with 8,114 new cases diagnosed in 2022 and 5,912 deaths, translating to a 70% fatality rate. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for improved detection and treatment.
Experts point to several factors driving this high mortality rate, including late-stage diagnosis, limited screening programs, and genetic predispositions unique to Nigerian patients.
Many Nigerian patients do not seek medical attention until the disease has reached an advanced stage, significantly reducing their chances of survival.
The lack of widespread screening programs further worsens the situation, as early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
Additionally, research by MSK shows that Nigerian colorectal cancer patients have a higher rate of microsatellite instability (28.1%) compared to their U.S. counterparts, suggesting genetic factors may influence how the disease develops. Addressing these challenges requires urgent intervention, including improved awareness, early screening, and targeted treatment strategies.
To address these challenges, MSK has partnered with Nigerian institutions through initiatives like the African Research Group for Oncology (ARGO). This collaboration focuses on understanding the molecular and phenotypic profiles of CRC in Nigeria, aiming to improve early detection and treatment strategies.
Efforts are also underway to implement fecal immunochemical testing as a viable screening method for early CRC detection in Nigeria.
Through these combined efforts, there is hope to reduce the burden of colorectal cancer in Nigeria and improve patient outcomes.
*Why CRC gets less attention than breast and cervical cancer*
While colorectal cancer remains largely unnoticed in Nigeria, breast and cervical cancers have received significant attention through awareness campaigns, screenings, and advocacy programs.
As a result, more women undergo routine breast exams and Pap smears, leading to earlier detection and better treatment outcomes. In contrast, colorectal cancer is rarely discussed, and many Nigerians are unaware of its symptoms, risk factors, or the importance of screening.
For instance, breast cancer screening programs, including self-examinations and mammography, are more widely promoted. Cervical cancer prevention efforts, such as the HPV vaccine and regular Pap smears, have helped reduce deaths in women.
However, colorectal cancer lacks similar public health initiatives, despite its high fatality rate. The disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when treatment options are limited, unlike breast or cervical cancer, where early detection significantly improves survival rates.
This gap in awareness and prevention efforts makes colorectal cancer a silent but deadly threat. Addressing it requires targeted education, improved screening programs, and policy-driven interventions to give it the same level of attention as other major cancers.
*Why CRC is deadly in Nigeria*
Late detection significantly contributes to the high mortality rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Nigeria.
A study by MSK and Nigerian researchers revealed that approximately 90% of gastrointestinal cancers, including CRC, are diagnosed at advanced stages (stage III or IV) in Nigeria. This late-stage presentation severely limits treatment options and adversely affects survival rates.
The research highlights late detection as a major factor driving the high mortality rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Nigeria. One critical issue is delayed healthcare-seeking behavior.
A study conducted in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, found that about half of patients with gastrointestinal cancers, including CRC, did not seek medical help until more than 90 days after noticing symptoms. The delay significantly reduces survival chances, as early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Many Nigerians ignore early warning signs such as blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, and persistent abdominal pain, only visiting the hospital when the disease has reached an advanced stage.
Another challenge is the lack of widespread screening programs. Unlike in developed countries where routine screening detects CRC early, Nigeria has limited access to colonoscopies and stool-based tests. Without early screening, most cases are diagnosed too late for curative treatment. Additionally, healthcare system challenges further worsen the situation.
Delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation are common due to overburdened hospitals, limited oncology specialists, and inadequate diagnostic equipment. To improve survival rates, MSK explained that Nigeria needs better public awareness, expanded screening programs, and strengthened healthcare infrastructure to ensure early detection and timely treatment.
*MSK role in Nigeria*
MSK is working with Nigerian doctors and researchers to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, especially colorectal cancer (CRC). Their efforts focus on research, early detection, and training medical professionals to tackle the disease more effectively.
In 2013, MSK co-founded the African Research Group for Oncology (ARGO), a consortium that includes Nigerian hospitals and U.S. centers like MSK and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. ARGO focuses on generating data to inform regional cancer management, identify effective prevention and early detection strategies, and improve access to care in underserved communities.
One of MSK’s key projects in Nigeria is finding affordable and accessible ways to detect colorectal cancer early. Since many Nigerians cannot afford expensive tests like colonoscopies, MSK and its partners conducted a study using stool-based testing, known as Fecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT).
The test is simple and cost-effective, helping doctors detect CRC in its early stages before it becomes deadly. If widely adopted, this method could save thousands of lives by making early detection easier for more people.
To strengthen cancer research in Nigeria, MSK launched the Nigerian Cancer Research Training (NCAT) Program in 2021. The program trains Nigerian doctors and researchers in advanced cancer studies, giving them the skills needed to conduct research, diagnose cancer early, and develop better treatment strategies. Some trainees even receive specialized training at MSK before returning to Nigeria to apply their knowledge.
Through these programs, MSK is helping to improve cancer care in Nigeria by providing better screening options and equipping local experts with the skills needed to fight the disease.
*Early screening saves lives*
Colorectal cancer is dangerous because it often develops silently, showing no clear symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. However, early screening can detect the disease before it becomes deadly, making treatment more effective.
Some warning signs include blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, stomach pain, and changes in bowel habits.
A tragic example is Chadwick Boseman, the beloved Hollywood actor famous for his role in ‘Black Panther’, was at the peak of his career when he was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer in 2016. Despite undergoing surgeries and chemotherapy, he continued working on major films, never revealing his illness to the public.
Over the next four years, Boseman’s condition worsened, progressing to stage IV cancer. On August 28, 2020, he passed away at just 43 years old. His death shocked the world and shed light on the growing cases of colorectal cancer among younger adults, particularly in Black communities.
Recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical help can save lives. Simple and affordable tests, like stool-based screening (FIT test), can help detect the disease early, especially for people at risk.
*More screening and treatment centers needed*
Nigeria needs more screening programs and cancer treatment centers to fight colorectal cancer effectively. The government and private sector must invest in healthcare infrastructure, train doctors, and make screening affordable. Countries with strong screening programs have lower death rates from colorectal cancer, showing that early detection works. Expanding these services in Nigeria will ensure that more people get tested and treated on time.
Nigerians can protect themselves by being aware of colorectal cancer risks and getting routine medical checkups. If you notice symptoms like blood in your stool or sudden weight loss, don’t ignore them, visit a doctor immediately. Eating a healthy diet, staying active, and avoiding excessive alcohol and smoking can also help lower the risk. When more people take their health seriously, more lives can be saved.
*Hope for the future*
While colorectal cancer remains a serious health threat in Nigeria, but early detection and better healthcare access can save lives. Many Nigerians are diagnosed too late, making treatment difficult and survival rates low. This is why regular screening, recognizing symptoms early, and improving healthcare services are so important. Expanding affordable screening programs and increasing public awareness can help more people catch the disease early and get proper treatment.
There is hope for the future. MSK is making a difference by training Nigerian doctors, supporting research, and introducing affordable screening options. With more government support, private sector investment, and individual awareness, Nigeria can reduce colorectal cancer deaths and improve survival rates. By working together, a healthier future is possible.