Every year, the 4th of February is set aside to commemorate World Cancer Day. World Cancer Day is observed to raise awareness of cancer and encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.

As scientists continue to find better ways of tackling the disease, the day is celebrated to remind individuals of their roles in fighting cancer and also show support to the survivors of cancer.

This year is themed, “Close the care gap”. It aims to increase awareness of the different ways cancer is treated and prevented, and also increase access to affordable treatment.

Nearly 10 million people died from cancer in 2020. 70% of this death occurred in low and middle-income countries, with the elderly as the most affected.

In Nigeria, the cancer statistics are dire. About 50% of women develop breast cancer with stage 4 (metastatic) disease at diagnosis. This means the cancer has advanced and becomes difficult to treat.

This World Cancer Day, we call on the Government of Nigeria to give the rising cancer incidence in the country the priority it requires, provide greater access to care for the populace, and close the gap in cancer care.

FAME Foundation celebrates every cancer survivor and joins the globe in the fight against cancer. Together, we should continue to increase the awareness of cancer, its prevention, as well as affordable treatment, till it exists no more.

Close the care gap! Support World Cancer Day.