“We Sold Everything”: Inside Nigeria’s Cancer Crisis of Late Diagnosis and Rising Costs

Across Nigeria, cancer is quietly devastating families—medically, emotionally, and financially.

Often beginning with mild symptoms, the disease progresses unnoticed until it becomes severe, leaving households struggling to cope, Vanguard reports.

Mrs. Justina Celestine remembers how her daughter Juliet’s illness started.

“She would complain of leg pain at night… then she started limping,” she said.

Initially dismissed as minor, the condition worsened. After multiple hospital visits and conflicting test results, a final diagnosis in Lagos confirmed cancer.

“It was cancer,” she said.

The cost of treatment quickly escalated. At the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre, initial care alone cost about N1.9 million, excluding medications and additional tests. Daily radiotherapy and living expenses pushed the family’s total spending close to N10 million.

“We sold some valuables… my husband’s income isn’t steady,” she explained.

Though Juliet is responding to treatment, the financial pressure continues.

“The cost is relentless… every session, every drug.”

Another mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Egejimba, faced a similar ordeal after her son developed symptoms that were initially treated traditionally.

At the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

“I said cancer is for rich people and adults,” she recalled.

Chemotherapy followed, alongside repeated hospital admissions. The financial burden ran into millions, and she lost her job in the process.

“Since September, I have personally seen over 40 children die here,” she said.

Her son’s recovery remains uncertain, as essential scans costing up to N600,000 are beyond reach.

“We can’t afford it.”

For Ariema Ogbewe, diagnosed at 18 with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, cancer has meant lost time and disrupted dreams.

“My studies… were deferred. Cancer didn’t just hurt my body; it hurt our family,” she said.

Her treatment—chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery—has cost nearly N10 million.

“Cancer is not always the main problem. The money is.”

Experts warn that these stories are far from isolated. Over 70 percent of cancer care in Nigeria is paid out-of-pocket, pushing families into poverty.

Dr. Nneka Nwobbi said late presentation remains a major issue.

“By the time they arrive… the disease is often advanced.”

Professor Edamisan Temiye pointed to systemic failures, including misdiagnosis and stigma.

“People believe every fever is malaria… by the time cancer is identified, it has spread,” he said.

He added that early diagnosis can significantly improve survival rates, but high costs remain a barrier.

“Even one test like a PET scan can cost about N1.5 million.”

Dr. Omolola Salako emphasised the role of fear and misinformation.

“Patients abandon evidence-based treatment for alternatives that offer false hope,” she said.

She noted that many cancers are preventable and called for increased awareness, screening, and vaccination.

“Cancer may be part of your story, but it doesn’t define it.”

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