AMCE’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Aisha Umar, during the Cancer Survivorship Forum in Abuja on Thursday. Photo: AMCE
Healthcare professionals, cancer survivors and advocates have called for stronger policies and support systems to address the physical, emotional, social and financial challenges faced by cancer survivors after treatment.
They made the call on Thursday at a cancer survivorship forum organised by the African Medical Centre of Excellence in partnership with Project PINK BLUE in Abuja.
The forum, themed “Beyond the Diagnosis: The Untold Realities of Cancer Survivorship and Caregiving,” brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, patient advocates and survivors to discuss the challenges of living with cancer and adjusting to life after treatment.
In a statement shared with our correspondent on Friday, the Chief Medical Officer of AMCE, Dr Aisha Umar, said cancer care should extend beyond diagnosis and treatment to include rehabilitation, mental health support, social reintegration and long-term well-being.
She said advances in medical treatment should be accompanied by support systems to help survivors navigate life after cancer.
“As advances in medicine continue to improve cancer outcomes, we must ensure that survivors are not left to navigate the next chapter of their journey alone.
“Comprehensive cancer care must address not only treatment, but also rehabilitation, mental health, social reintegration and long-term quality of life,” Umar said.
She added that survivorship was an essential part of cancer care and that patients and their families needed adequate support to rebuild their lives after treatment.
Speaking during an advocacy dialogue session, the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Dr Tessy Ahmadu, urged policymakers to make cancer survivorship a priority in national health planning.
“Cancer survivorship must become a policy priority. Policymakers, healthcare providers, employers, and civil society must work together to create an environment where cancer survivors can live healthy, productive and dignified lives,” she said.
Also speaking, the Senior Finance and Administration Officer at Project PINK BLUE, Godwin Kagior, said the experiences of survivors and caregivers should inform policies and support programmes.
“Every cancer survivor has a story that extends far beyond diagnosis and treatment. By creating platforms for survivors and caregivers to share their experiences, we not only raise awareness but also drive meaningful change,” Kagior said.
He called for sustained advocacy and support systems to address the emotional, social and economic challenges associated with cancer, adding that survivors should not have to navigate the journey alone.
Participants also shared personal experiences and professional insights into cancer survivorship, highlighting the resilience of survivors and the role of caregivers during treatment and recovery.
Among them was media personality and Stage 4 cancer survivor, Chioma Ikejiani, who spoke about her experience from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.
The organisers said the forum reflected AMCE’s commitment to comprehensive cancer care through its oncology programme and multidisciplinary approach, which covers prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, rehabilitation and survivorship services.
The event ended with stakeholders pledging to strengthen collaboration, advocacy and patient support initiatives to improve cancer outcomes and the quality of life of survivors across Nigeria.