Abuja: The Cancer Consciousness Initiative (CCI) has inaugurated the TeleOncology Hub to improve access to specialist cancer care in Northeastern Nigeria. The programme offers telemedicine consultations, virtual Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, and patient navigation services.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Hannatu Ayuba, CEO of CCI and Programme Lead of TeleOncology Hub, described the initiative as a health system strengthening programme. Ayuba highlighted the rising number of cancer cases in the region, emphasizing the urgent need to enhance healthcare access. She noted, “Many patients in underserved communities face obstacles that delay diagnosis and treatment, affecting survival. In the Northeast, breast cancer accounts for 60 per cent of cases and is often diagnosed at late stages, creating huge challenges for treatment.”
Ayuba advised women to be vigilant about possible symptoms, such as breast lumps, changes in breast shape, nipple discharge, or other unusual signs and to seek immediate medical attention if they notice anything unusual. She emphasized that early detection through self-exams, mammograms, and regular check-ups can save lives, pointing out that reducing cancer disparities ensures better care and health outcomes for all patients.
To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the CCI collaborated with partners to organize townhall meetings and a mega-rally, raising awareness and improving access to specialist care in underserved communities. Ayuba expressed hope that the initiative would enable patients to connect with oncology experts remotely. “This programme offers survival opportunities for cancer patients through telemedicine and MDT approaches with healthcare specialists,” she said.
Since its inauguration in April at FMC Jalingo, the TeleOncology Hub has made significant progress in addressing cancer care disparities in remote and underserved areas across the region. The initiative now collaborates with Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, FMC Nguru, and Yobe State University Teaching Hospital Damaturu, expanding access to tele-oncology services and virtual specialist consultations.
Recently, CCI launched a community patient navigation programme in Borno State in partnership with the Grow Strong Foundation, integrating telemedicine, MDT virtual meetings, EMR monitoring via PocketPatientMD, and patient guidance for timely care. The programme has onboarded more than 35 patients, with over 85 per cent of navigation encounters resulting in prompt diagnoses, treatments, and follow-ups. Video MDT meetings overcome geographical barriers and improve care coordination.
Ayuba added that healthcare professionals, nurses, and pharmacy staff had been trained in oncology care, digital health tools, and patient navigation to strengthen local capacity and quality of care. “CCI has partnered with patient assistance programmes, including BRANT by Oncopadi/Roche, providing free immunohistochemistry testing to 5,000 women. Merck and AstraZeneca offer free KRAS and EGFR testing for colorectal and lung cancer patients.”
She noted that late-stage diagnoses, financial constraints, and cultural barriers remained significant challenges in remote areas. “Only 8.6 per cent of patients at one centre are enrolled in health insurance or national schemes. To support patients, we provide financial counseling, aid for treatment, transportation, and logistics. Our goal is to unlock access to cancer care for all, regardless of location or financial status,” Ayuba stated.
Looking ahead, Ayuba mentioned that CCI planned to expand TeleOncology Hub services nationwide. The plans include HIPAA-compliant telemedicine suites, broader training programmes, novel diagnostic integration through the African Digital Health Network, and advocacy for sustainable funding and policy support.