As the world marks World Cancer Day 2026 on 4 February, communities across the globe are spotlighting the millions affected by cancer, not just as a disease, but as deeply personal journeys of struggle, strength and survival. This year’s theme, “United by Unique,” underscores the idea that while everyone’s experience with cancer is different, we are united in the fight against it, and in the shared hope of a better, more equitable tomorrow.
In Nigeria and the rest of Africa, cancer remains a major public health challenge. Late diagnosis, limited access to quality cancer care and high treatment costs continue to shape people’s experiences, often with devastating consequences. Experts warn that these obstacles only deepen the emotional and financial burden faced by patients and families.
United by Unique: A Theme With Meaning
The 2026 World Cancer Day theme “United by Unique” aims to shift the spotlight from disease statistics to individual stories, emphasizing that each patient’s journey is distinct, shaped by personal, social and cultural realities. It calls for recognition of these individual experiences and for collective efforts to improve cancer care and support systems worldwide.
Local advocates, including the Nigerian Cancer Society, have echoed this message, stressing that survivors must have a voice in decision-making spaces that affect their care and quality of life.
“I Refused to Let the Diagnosis Define Me” — A Survivor’s Journey
For Jennifer, a 42-year-old mother of three from Lagos, cancer began as a persistent pain and an unexplained lump she had hoped would go away on its own. After months of hesitation — fueled partly by fear, partly by lack of information — she sought medical attention and was diagnosed with breast cancer at an advanced stage.
“When the doctor told me the word ‘cancer,’ it was like the ground disappeared beneath my feet,” she recalls. The news was heartbreaking, but it opened a new front in her life — one that would test not just her body, but her spirit.
Due to limited screening infrastructure and awareness in her community, Aisha’s cancer was not caught early. This is a common reality in Nigeria, where more than 70 per cent of cancer cases are diagnosed too late, decreasing the chances of successful treatment and survival.
Treatment was neither easy nor cheap. Chemotherapy sessions, travel to specialized treatment centers and prescription medications strained her family’s resources. “I remember days when I wondered if we could even afford the next round of treatment,” she says.
But it was the support of her family, and the encouragement from a local survivor support group, that kept her going. “My children didn’t let me see it as the end. They reminded me every day why I had to fight.”
Life After Treatment: A New Mission
Today, three years after completing her treatment, Aisha is cancer-free. Her voice carries calm determination.
“Cancer changed me,” she says. “Not because it defeated me, but because it taught me that every day is a gift and every story matters.”
She now volunteers with a support network that helps newly diagnosed patients navigate the emotional and medical challenges of cancer. “I tell them, your diagnosis is unique to you, but you are not alone. Your story matters and your life is worth fighting for.”
Challenges Across Nigeria and Africa
Aisha’s experience reflects broader patterns in Nigeria and across the African continent. According to the World Health Organization African Region, more than 1 million new cancer cases are diagnosed each year, and nearly as many people lose their lives to the disease, often because care services are limited, unevenly distributed and expensive.
In Nigeria alone, tens of thousands of new cancer cases are recorded annually, and a high proportion are detected at late stages, when treatment is more complex and survival outcomes are poorer.
Early detection remains a critical challenge; doctors and health advocates say that regular screening and increased awareness about symptoms could save many lives, especially for cancers like breast, prostate and cervical cancer.
Hope Through Action: From Awareness to Impact
World Cancer Day isn’t just a moment of awareness, it’s a call to action. Across Nigeria, commemorative activities have included free screening campaigns, public lectures, advocacy events and community engagement initiatives aimed at improving early detection and strengthening support systems.
Experts are urging policymakers to include cancer survivors in planning and policy development, arguing that their lived experiences provide valuable insights that can improve care and reduce stigma.
For survivors like Aisha, the day is both personal and universal.
“Cancer taught me that life is fragile, but it also showed me how strong we can be when we stand together,” she says. “This World Cancer Day, I want every Nigerian to know this: your story is unique, and our fight is stronger when we are united.”
What You Can Do
• Get screened regularly: Early detection can significantly improve outcomes.
• Know the signs and symptoms: Awareness can save lives.
• Support survivors and caregivers: Their journeys are personal and powerful.
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