The Lakeshore Cancer Center (LCC) has officially launched in Lagos, marking a significant milestone as the first facility in Nigeria exclusively dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. This innovative center is set to play a crucial role in educating the public about cancer, promoting early detection, and providing a reputable option for comprehensive cancer care within the region.
Situated at 14 Amodu Tijani Close, Off Sanusi Fafunwa, Victoria Island, Lakeshore Cancer Center is affiliated with the esteemed Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York—the oldest cancer treatment facility in the world. This collaboration positions LCC at the forefront of cancer care in Nigeria, bringing international standards and expertise to local patients.
Prof. Chumy Nwogu, the CEO and medical director of LCC, emphasized the urgent need for specialized cancer care in Nigeria during a press conference. He stated, "Cancer is a rapidly growing global health problem. Current data indicates that cancer claims more lives globally than malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis combined, with low- to middle-income countries bearing the brunt of this crisis." According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one-third of cancers can be prevented, another third can be cured, and the remaining third can be effectively palliated. This underscores the critical importance of education, screening, and early detection.
Nwogu highlighted alarming statistics from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which reported that Nigeria sees approximately 102,079 new cancer cases and 71,571 cancer-related deaths annually. He noted that these figures may be significantly underestimated due to inadequate cancer registration systems, leading many patients to seek alternative treatments, such as traditional medicine or spiritual healing.
With the launch of Lakeshore Cancer Center, Nwogu aims to address these deficiencies by providing comprehensive cancer care. He warned that cancer incidence rates are expected to escalate in the coming years and that Nigeria's healthcare system is currently ill-equipped to handle this surge. "There is a severe shortage of oncologists—medical, surgical, or radiation—and there are very few facilities that offer screening, diagnosis, or curative treatment for cancer," he explained.
An estimated 25,000 to 30,000 Nigerians seek medical treatment abroad each year, with reports indicating that up to $500 million is spent annually on foreign medical care, including oncology. The establishment of LCC aims to mitigate this trend by offering high-quality cancer care within Nigeria.
From its inception, Lakeshore Cancer Center has established a robust partnership with Roswell Park Cancer Institute, which includes ongoing training, education, clinical oversight, and research programs. "Our center is equipped with in-house consultant oncologists and offers second opinions from U.S.-based specialized oncologists via telemedicine," Nwogu assured. This integration of local expertise and international knowledge allows LCC to provide tailored cancer care that meets the unique needs of Nigerian patients.
Saby George, an assistant professor of oncology at Roswell Park, echoed Nwogu's sentiments regarding the need for increased emphasis on cancer care in Nigeria. He noted that the Nigerian medical community must take the lead in raising cancer awareness through various educational initiatives. Addressing unmet needs in cancer prevention, early detection, and optimal care is vital for improving outcomes for patients.
In summary, the launch of Lakeshore Cancer Center represents a transformative development in cancer care in Nigeria. Spearheaded by Prof. Chumy Nwogu, the center is committed to improving cancer education, promoting early detection, and providing comprehensive treatment options for patients. With its state-of-the-art facilities and partnerships with international institutions, LCC aims to be a beacon of hope in the fight against cancer, ensuring that Nigerians have access to the care they deserve.