THE IMPORTANCE OF INVESTING IN A CANCER CENTER IN BENUE STATE AND THE NEED FOR SUPPORT BY ONE AND ALL

Posted on 9 August, 2024 by Administrator

THE IMPORTANCE OF  INVESTING IN A CANCER CENTER IN BENUE STATE AND THE NEED FOR SUPPORT BY ONE AND ALL

Benue state, generally has  suffered from a huge deficit of infrastructure and other investments that qualifies a place as "developing". This largely speaks to why the state is perceived as "backward" among other states in Nigeria, even though they themselves cannot be seen as "developing" by any standard. The health sector particularly has been a source of concern most especially that it affects lives directly.

The advent of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has however brought about very significant changes in the state, particularly in the health sector. Hospitals  have been transformed from death centers to recovery centers, cost of treatment has also been sliced down significantly and in some cases free and so many other changes. This speaks to the importance the governor places on health, much so that he understands well that. "health is wealth".

A few weeks ago, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia made a huge donation of two billion naira, on behalf of the state for the establishment of a cancer treatment center. The establishment of a Cancer Treatment Center in Benue State is crucial due to the rising incidence of cancer and the lack of adequate treatment facilities. The Benue State Government  donating N2 billion to support this initiative, emphasizes the importance of this facility and the importance the governor places on ensuring  early detection and effective management of cancer cases.

Cancer no doubt has become the number one killer in the world and has taken many lives with others just waiting like prisoners on death roll. Cancer arises from the transformation of normal cells into malignant cells, mostly caused by genetic mutations and some times environmental factors. Studies reveal Key causes of cancer to include:
a. Genetic Factors: Inherited mutations account for 5% to 12% of cancers, while acquired mutations from lifestyle choices are more common.

b. Lifestyle Risks: Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor diet, obesity, and physical inactivity significantly increase cancer risk.

c. Environmental Exposures: Exposure to UV radiation, certain chemicals, and air pollution also contribute to cancer development.

d. Infections: Viruses like HPV and hepatitis can lead to cancer, particularly in lower-income regions, of which Benue is one. 

The terrible thing about this killer disease is that it affects patients both physically and emotionally. Cancer Patients often experience a range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, and depression, which keeps most of them in isolation and causes them to withdraw from social life.  

Nigeria faces a significant cancer burden, with approximately 102,000 new cases and 72,000 deaths annually. The most common cancers include breast (27% of cases), cervical (14%), liver (12%), and prostate (12%) cancers. Late-stage presentation is prevalent, with over 70% of patients diagnosed at stages III and IV, often due to lack of facilities and access. The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment estimates that cancer-related deaths in 2020 reached 78,000!!!! This certainly highlights the urgent need for improved awareness and treatment access.
Data specific to cancer statistics in Benue State is limited, but a review of cervical cancer cases at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital from 2010 to 2017 reported significant findings. Cervical cancer is notably prevalent among women, being one of the most common cancers within our region.
Overall, Nigeria has over 120,000 new cancer cases annually, with breast and cervical cancers among the most common. The lack of comprehensive cancer registries in Benue State hinders precise statistics, highlighting a need for improved data collection and cancer awareness initiatives which the center will readily provide.

Therefore Establishing a cancer center in Benue offers several advantages:
a. Improved Access to Care: the center would reduce travel burdens for patients, making it easier to access diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care.

b. Enhanced Training and Workforce Development: the center would serve as a hub for training healthcare professionals, improving the overall oncology workforce in Benue and Nigeria at large.

c. Community Awareness and Prevention: The center would most definitely promote cancer awareness and preventive measures, which will addres the high incidence of late-stage diagnoses in Nigeria.

There are also Economic Benefits of the  center as Investment in cancer care can yield significant economic returns, enhancing productivity and societal well-being. Imagine Benue becoming a treatment and training hub for can and cancer related issues. This will bring huge economic benefits to the state.

In summary,  Building a cancer treatment center at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) will bring several positive impacts including but not limited to improved cancer care services and treatment options for patients in Benue and the North Central region.The center will offer extensive cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care, making healthcare more accessible and affordable for the local population in Benue, the middle belt and Nigeria at large.
The project will help boost health tourism in Benue, as people from neighboring states and countries can seek treatment at the modern cancer center.
His Excellency Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia's donation of N2 billion to support the establishment of the cancer center, demonstrates the government's commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure in the state and draw economic benefits in the process while keeping his people alive and healthy. 

It is therefore a clarion call to one and all well meaning sons and daughters of Benue state to join hands together and make generous donations towards the BSUTH's  N5 billion naira endowment fund to establish the cancer unit, which will help sustain the center's operations and ensure its long-term success and  the well-being of the people of Benue State and Nigeria at large.

Surely, our Benue shall be great again 

Solomon Iorpev 
Technical Adviser to the Benue state Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication.