Abuja — The Cancer Consciousness Initiative (CCI) has inaugurated a TeleOncology Hub aimed at improving access to specialist cancer care in Northeastern Nigeria, a region facing rising cancer cases and limited oncology services.
The programme, which was officially launched at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, leverages telemedicine technology to connect cancer patients in remote and underserved communities with oncology specialists across the country.
Services provided include virtual specialist consultations, Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, electronic medical record (EMR) monitoring, and patient navigation support.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Dr Hannatu Ayuba, Chief Executive Officer of CCI and Programme Lead of the TeleOncology Hub, described the initiative as a health system strengthening intervention designed to address long-standing disparities in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
According to Ayuba, cancer cases are increasing steadily in the Northeast, with breast cancer accounting for about 60 per cent of reported cases, most of which are diagnosed at advanced stages.
“Many patients in underserved communities face barriers that delay diagnosis and treatment, which significantly affects survival outcomes,” she said. “Late presentation remains one of the biggest challenges in cancer care in the region.”
Ayuba urged women to prioritise early detection, advising them to seek medical attention if they notice symptoms such as breast lumps, changes in breast shape, nipple discharge, or other unusual signs.
“Early detection through self-examinations, mammograms, and regular medical check-ups can save lives,” she stressed.
To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, CCI, in collaboration with partner organisations, organised town hall meetings and a mega rally across communities to raise awareness about cancer symptoms and available care options.
Since its inauguration in April, the TeleOncology Hub has expanded its reach through partnerships with Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, FMC Nguru, and Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, Damaturu, significantly increasing access to virtual oncology consultations in the region.
The initiative has also launched a community-based patient navigation programme in Borno State in partnership with the Grow Strong Foundation.
The programme integrates telemedicine services, virtual MDT meetings, EMR monitoring through PocketPatientMD, and personalised patient guidance to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
Ayuba revealed that more than 35 patients have already been enrolled, with over 85 per cent of navigation encounters resulting in prompt diagnoses, treatment initiation, or follow-up care.
“Video-enabled MDT meetings help overcome geographical barriers and improve coordination among healthcare professionals,” she noted.
As part of capacity building, CCI has trained healthcare professionals, nurses, and pharmacy staff in oncology care, digital health tools, and patient navigation to strengthen local healthcare delivery.
The initiative has also partnered with patient assistance programmes to reduce diagnostic costs.
These include BRANT by Oncopadi/Roche, which provides free immunohistochemistry testing for 5,000 women, as well as Merck and AstraZeneca, which offer free KRAS and EGFR testing for colorectal and lung cancer patients.
Despite the progress, Ayuba acknowledged ongoing challenges such as late-stage diagnosis, financial constraints, cultural barriers, and low health insurance coverage.
She disclosed that only 8.6 per cent of patients at one participating centre are enrolled in health insurance or national health schemes.
To support vulnerable patients, CCI provides financial counselling, treatment assistance, transportation support, and logistics aid.
“Our goal is to unlock access to quality cancer care for all patients, regardless of their location or financial status,” Ayuba said.
Looking ahead, CCI plans to expand the TeleOncology Hub nationwide, introducing HIPAA-compliant telemedicine suites, broader training programmes, advanced diagnostic integration through the African Digital Health Network, and stronger advocacy for sustainable funding and supportive health policies.
The TeleOncology Hub is expected to play a critical role in reducing cancer care disparities in Nigeria and improving survival outcomes for patients in hard-to-reach communities.