LUTH Launches First Population-Based Childhood Cancer Registry in Nigeria to Address Alarming Trend

The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has reported 300 cases of childhood cancer within a single year, marking a concerning increase in such incidences across Nigeria.

This revelation was made by Dr. Abidemi Omonisi, a Consultant Pathologist, during an imPACT review conducted by the Programme Action for Cancer Therapy.

Dr. Omonisi highlighted that LUTH's registry is poised to become Nigeria’s first population-based childhood cancer registry, which will provide "robust data for analysis."

This initiative is crucial for understanding cancer trends and supporting research efforts. Historically, the focus in Nigeria has been on adult cancers such as breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.

However, recent data underscores that children are also significantly affected, with some cases being hereditary.

A notable shift has been observed in the types of cancers affecting children. "Previously dominant Burkitt lymphoma has given way to methodological malignancies, specifically leukemia," Dr. Omonisi noted.

This change in trend calls for increased attention and resources towards pediatric oncology.

The initiative aims to replicate this registry model across all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, enhancing nationwide cancer data collection and management. By December, the collected data will be analyzed, and findings will inform policy suggestions to the government.

The ultimate goal is to improve cancer awareness and resources targeting childhood cancer throughout the region.

This effort is part of a broader collaboration involving international bodies like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), World Health Organization (WHO), and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which provide technical support to strengthen cancer control capacities in Nigeria.