Nigeria: pollution linked to high number of cancer cases

The National Cancer Prevention and Control Plan (2018-2022) recently revealed that cancer is responsible for 72,000 deaths in Nigeria annually, with 102,000 new cases each year. Some senior healthcare professionals have pointed out the links between this high number of cases and deaths and environmental pollution, especially the daily exposure to hazardous chemicals, vehicular fumes, and oil spills. They maintain that addressing environmental pollution could help reduce the spread of cancer in the country.
Speaking with The Punch, Ifeoma Okoye, Professor of Radiology at the University of Nigeria and Director of the UNN Centre for Clinical Trials, said exposure to environmental pollution contributes significantly to the development of cancer among non-smokers. In Nigeria, there are high levels of air and water pollution caused by chemicals, petroleum products, and the inadequate handling of biodegradable and non-biodegradable refuse. According to Okoye, the Port Harcourt area has shown a higher prevalence of lung and skin cancers than other regions, suggesting that soot pollution from the combustion of petrochemical products is a significant health risk. She remarked on the importance of addressing environmental risk factors to reduce the incidence of cancer in Nigeria. Dr Habeebu Muhammad, Chief Clinical Director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority-Lagos Teaching Hospital Idi Araba Cancer Centre, also said environmental degradation and urbanisation increase cancer risks due to exposure to chemicals and other pollutants. He recommended exercise and a balanced diet to reduce these risks.