Cancer Prevention Programs and Public Policy Initiatives in Nigeria                                                                 

Obwendo N. J.

Faculty of Medicine Kampala International University Uganda

                                                ABSTRACT

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality in Nigeria, with increasing incidence rates driven by factors such as urbanization, aging, and lifestyle changes. Despite efforts to improve cancer care, barriers such as late diagnosis, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and limited public awareness hinder effective prevention and early detection. This review examines Nigeria’s cancer prevention strategies and the role of public policy initiatives in addressing these challenges. It explores primary and secondary prevention measures, including vaccination programs, lifestyle modification campaigns, and screening initiatives. Additionally, it evaluates key policy interventions, such as the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP), tobacco control regulations, and public-private partnerships aimed at enhancing cancer prevention and treatment accessibility. The review highlights existing gaps in funding, healthcare infrastructure, and policy implementation, proposing recommendations to strengthen cancer prevention through enhanced public health policies, improved healthcare access, and increased government and stakeholder collaboration. Addressing these issues is critical for reducing Nigeria’s cancer burden and improving overall public health outcomes.

Keywords: Cancer prevention, public policy, Nigeria, cancer control, screening programs.

CITE AS: Obwendo N. J. (2025). Cancer Prevention Programs and Public Policy Initiatives in Nigeria. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PHARMACY, 6(1):33-38.  https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJPP/2025/613338