Rising cancer cases in Nigeria, especially among women, are not just a growing health concern but a reflection of population growth, longer life expectancy, improved detection, and shifting lifestyles, experts say.
According to data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Nigeria recorded about 127,763 new cancer cases in 2022, with women accounting for over 79,000 new cases, a significantly larger share.
Experts note that this pattern is influenced by the types of cancers most common in the country, especially breast and cervical cancers, which disproportionately affect women.
Sharif Folorunso, a consultant clinical oncologist, at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile Ife, explains that the rising numbers must be understood in the context of population growth and not just a worsening health crisis.
“An apparent rise in cancer cases does not always mean the situation is getting worse. In many cases, it reflects population growth, improved awareness, and better diagnostic capacity,” he noted.
Nigeria’s rapidly expanding population plays a major role. As the number of people increases, even a stable cancer rate results in more cases overall. At the same time, improvements in maternal healthcare mean more women are surviving childbirth and living longer.
“When women live longer, the likelihood of developing cancer increases. So part of what we are seeing is actually a reflection of progress,” Folorunso added.
Increased awareness and access to healthcare have also contributed to the trend. More women are seeking medical care, participating in screening programmes, and getting diagnosed earlier. In the past, many cancer cases went undetected due to limited facilities and low awareness.
However, lifestyle and environmental changes are also driving real increases in cancer risk. Rapid urbanisation has led to greater exposure to pollution and harmful chemicals, while dietary habits have shifted toward processed foods and sedentary living, increasing obesity rates.
Segun Bello, a medical doctor and founder of Klinix Limited, pointed to lifestyle choices as a growing concern. “An increase in dangerous lifestyles like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption among women are major contributors to rising cancer cases. These habits significantly increase the risk of cancer incidence, which is becoming more common among women,” he noted.
In addition, infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV) continue to fuel cervical cancer cases, while changes in reproductive patterns, like delayed childbirth and fewer children, are linked to higher breast cancer risk.
These factors reflect both progress in healthcare and emerging risks of cancer cases recorded among women.
According to 2022 reports by GLOBOCAN, breast, prostate, and cervical cancers are the three leading causes, accounting for more than 40 percent of all cancer-related deaths in Nigeria.
The report estimates that by 2030, cancer incidence and mortality in Nigeria will continue to increase, resulting in 166,379 new cancer cases and 104,709 cancer deaths.
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How women can reduce their risk of cancer
Experts say adopting a healthy lifestyle, undergoing regular screenings, and taking advantage of preventive vaccines are critical steps in reducing cancer risks among women.
“Regular checkups are essential to reducing the risk of cervical cancer, as they increase the chances of early detection,” noted Stephanie Omoarebun, national secretary of the Young Medical Laboratory Scientists Forum.
Biannual checkups play a key role in lowering cancer risks among women, experts note.
“Women above 25 years should always go for screenings and mammograms at least twice a year to increase their chances of early detection and treatment,” noted Emuoghoke Emonena-Solotan, an advocate at the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN).
Experts also emphasised that avoiding alcohol and cigarette smoking is essential in reducing cancer risks among women.
