With 60 percent of cases now in low- and middle-income countries, cancer has become a “silent epidemic” in the developing world, according to Sally Cowal, senior vice president of global health at the American Cancer Society.
The African continent faces a particular threat. By 2030, new cancer cases and death are projected to double in Africa, due in part to the increase in behaviors such as smoking, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. Nigeria now sees more than 100,000 new cases of cancer every year. Some 38 to 40 women die daily from the disease there, according to the data by International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Caleb Egwuenu, the founder of Stand Up To Cancer Nigeria, thinks the situation may be even worse. “From working in cancer control for more than nine years now, I think this incidence might be an underestimate,” he said.
Tackling cancer faces particular challenges in Nigeria. After watching two of his relatives succumb to the disease, Egwuenu devoted himself to empowering the community. While some of the tools his organization uses would sound familiar across the globe, Egwuenu has also helped pioneer innovative approaches. He spoke to Devex about Stand Up To Cancer Nigeria’s strategies.
About the author
Jennifer Piettedisgeneration
Jennifer Ehidiamen is a Nigerian writer who is passionate about communications and journalism. She has worked as a reporter and communications consultant for different organizations in Nigeria and overseas. She has an undergraduate degree in mass communication from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, and M.A. in business and economics from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, New York. In 2014, she founded Rural Reporters (www.ruralreporters.com) with the goal of amplifying underreported news and issues affecting rural communities.
