Health sector stakeholders have called for increased awareness to ensure early detection and treatment of kidney cancer in Nigeria. They made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a symposium to mark the 2025 World Kidney Cancer Day (WKCD).
The event was organised by the Move Against Cancer Africa (MACA), a volunteer-based NGO that champions campaigns and education on cancer-related issues across Africa. According to the stakeholders, early detection of kidney cancer is crucial, as it improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. They noted that though kidney cancer was often asymptomatic in its early stages, raising awareness about potential symptoms and risk factors, along with advocacy for regular screenings, was imperative.
Dr Uchechukwu Shagaya, a Senior Consultant Oncologist at National Hospital Abuja and Chairperson of the cancer Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA-FCT) said that though kidney cancer is considered rare in Nigeria, there is a need for awareness. Shagaya listed some of its symptoms, which include blood in urine, lower back pain, difficulty passing urine, and foamy urine. According to her, if you have any of these symptoms and see a doctor, your chances of being diagnosed correctly are much higher.
Similarly, Dr Onwuasoanya Uzodinma, Consultant Urologist and Kidney Transplant Surgeon at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, said intense advocacy was needed to curb the dangers of kidney cancer.
“Early detection allows for more effective treatment options, including curative surgical interventions and minimally invasive procedures, leading to higher survival rates and faster recovery times. The first thing is to know that kidney cancer mimics several diseases so that it can confuse somebody, and you make a wrong diagnosis. It can be hereditary, but lifestyles like smoking, radiation, and alcohol ingestion are common factors that can cause cancer in other parts of the body, and people should stay away from them.
Earlier, Mr Isaac Joseph, a Cancer Patient Advocate and official of MACA, said the symposium was put together with the support of the International Kidney Cancer Coalition (IKCC).ccording to him, the event allows stakeholders to brainstorm and share ideas to form a common front in combating kidney cancer.
Similarly, Ogechukwu Akabuike, a Public Health Professional and Research and Publication Officer with MACA, explained that the focus was on awareness. The symposium also featured a panel discussion on identifying key gaps in kidney cancer management. Dr Abiodun Egwuenu’s presentation of the Nigeria Global Patient Survey findings on kidney cancer was the event’s highlight.
