All plans are underway for Health experts across the country to identify and explore the barriers and facilitators in the use of the Harmonised National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines in Nigeria at the upcoming one day symposium on breast cancer organised by the Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologist of Nigeria (ARCON).
The one day symposium themed: “Optimizing the Standard of Care for Breast Cancer in Nigeria” will hold on the 30th of June, 2022 in Enugu state.
In a press release issued by the President of ARCON ,Dr Nwamaka Lasebikan on Sunday explained that the meeting will be hybrid to allow for maximum participation of key stakeholders offering care in the Oncology space.
She further explained that established in 2016, ARCON is a community of more than 100 professionals (specialist and trainees) with the aim of promoting ethical and evidence based standard of care for cancer in our environment and aims to develop robust and competent cancer health solutions together with the government of Nigeria.
” Some of our objectives are to liaise with international bodies with similar goals, sensitize the Nigerian population about cancer and ways to combat the scourge and stigma, as well as encourage and advance the knowledge and practice of the science of Radiation and Clinical Oncology through Research, Education & Training, and knowledge dissemination via CMEs, Conferences, Workshops amongst others.
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, however the mortality rate and probability of surviving for upto or more than 5years in lower and middle income counties like Nigeria falls short of what obtains in high income countries.
“With the rapid advancement of new technologies and medications, this disparity continues to increase with clinical and patient outcomes related to the side of the globe you live in.
“This one day symposium will feature lectures and panelist sessions from seasoned experts in oncology in a bid to close the care gap, improve clinical outcomes and quality of life of patients with breast cancer,” she said.
The Federal Ministry Of Health had adopted the NCCN Harmonised guidelines for use in Nigeria last year during the International Cancer Week.
Health experts expected at the symposium are NMA President, Dr Uche Ojinma, representative from Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Uchechukwu Nwokwu, Consultant/Associate Director National Cancer Control Program and Paulette Ibeka from Clinton Health Access Initiative(implementing Partner).
Others are members of the African Cancer Coalition Network (ACCN) who led the development of the NCCN Harmonised guidelines. Also in attendance will be Prof Obinna Onodugo,Chief Medical Director University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital UNTH Enugu, Dr IK Obi, Honourable Commissioner for Health Enugu State, Prof E R Ezeome, President Elect, West African College of Surgeons (WACS),
Dr JOT Onyia, chairman NMA Enugu state and Dr Obianyo chairperson MWAN Enugu state.
