Cancer Is Not Just A Hospital Problem, It Is A Community Problem — Oncologist Dr Hannatu Tells Taraba Leaders

By Sule Wakili 

Community leaders in the North-East have been urged to become navigators for cancer patients to help them overcome barriers to treatment.

The call was made on Saturday in Jalingo by Dr. Hannatu Ayuba, Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Consciousness Initiative (CCI) and Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at the National Hospital, Abuja.

Dr. Ayuba spoke during the Mega Rally Cancer Walk held as part of the 2026 Pinktober Cancer Awareness Campaign, organized by CCI in partnership with the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and other NGOs.

She said many patients in rural communities die not because cancer is incurable, but because of financial constraints, language barriers and lack of access to specialist care.

"The intervention of a community leader or a well-placed individual can make the difference between life and death. When you help a woman navigate where to go, who to see, and how to pay, you are saving a life," she said.

Ayuba, who also leads the Teleoncology Hub, noted that the 3-day campaign kicked off in Taraba with a town hall meeting, free screening and community walk, and will move to Borno and Bauchi states.

She disclosed that CCI is working with NEDC to promote health insurance that covers cancer investigations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

"Cancer is a community problem; it is not just a hospital problem. No one should be left to face cancer alone. There must be compassion and an end to stigmatisation," she stressed.

She appealed to traditional and religious leaders to discourage reliance on traditional remedies and encourage women to seek early medical attention.

On his part, NEDC representative, Mr. Bashir Hammanjoda, said the Commission will continue to support people-oriented health initiatives and commended CCI and partners for making cancer care accessible.

Also speaking, Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Jalingo, Prof. Tahir Chubado, who described himself as a cancer survivor, urged women to embrace early detection and thanked the organizers for reaching the vulnerable.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to Alhaji Aminu Dantsoho, Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, and Dr. Aisha Adamu, CMD of FMC Jalingo, as Community Cancer Patient Navigator Ambassadors for Taraba State.