Lakeshore- First Cancer Center in Nigeria launched

officials of the Cancer Instiute during the launch recently in Lagos,Nigeria

Lakeshore- First Cancer Center in Nigeria launched

Lagos, Nigeria. The Lakeshore Cancer Center Lagos (LCC) the first operational facility in Nigeria that is solely dedicated to the prevention and treatment of cancer has been launched. The new   Lakeshore Cancer Centre, located at 14 AmoduTijani Close Off SanusiFafunwa in Victoria Island, is affiliated with Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY, USA –the oldest cancer center in the world.

Speaking at an exclusive media gathering in Lagos, Dr. Nwogu, CEO and Medical Director of LCC, stated that "Cancer is a rapidly growing global health problem. Data shows that cancer kills more people worldwide than Malaria, HIV and TB combined and low to middle income countries are disproportionately impacted. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1/3 of cancers can be prevented, 1/3 cured and 1/3 effectively palliated; hence the great need for education, screening and early detection."

DrNwogu, who is also a highly respected Cancer Epidemiologist and Thoracic Surgical Oncologist, pointed out that, "in Nigeria, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (2012 data), there are 102,079 new cancer cases per year and 71,571 cancer deaths annually. This is probably a marked under-estimation as cancer registration is really poor in Nigeria and many patients usually seek alternative treatments, traditional healers or prayer houses. These numbers are predicted to rise dramatically over the next few years. The medical community is ill-equipped to deal with cancer as there is a paucity of oncologists of any kind (medical, surgical or radiation oncologists) and there are extremely limited facilities for screening, diagnosis, curative treatment or palliation of cancer cases. It is estimated that 25,000 to 30,000 Nigerians seek medical care abroad every year. The Federal Minister of State for Health stated that up to $500 million is spent annually by Nigerians on medical care abroad (including oncology). "

Nigeria, in spite of being the most populous African country, has had no institution dedicated solely to cancer care - until now! Dr. Nwogu, reflected that “Lakeshore Cancer Center was envisioned to educate Nigerians on cancer prevention, promote early detection and establish a reputable option in Lagos for screening, diagnosis and treatment.

“Lakeshore Cancer Center has had, from its inception, close ties with Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) in Buffalo New York, the oldest cancer institute in the world. RPCI is heavily involved with LCC in providing training,education,clinicalcareoversightandresearchprograms on an ongoing basis”. LCC is conveniently located in the popular business district of Victoria Island and features in-house consultant oncologists and 2^nd opinions from US-based sub-specialized oncologists via tele-medicine. LCC staff have in-depth understanding of the medical practice and culture in both Nigeria and the western world.Lakeshore Cancer Center is the ideal platform for cancer awareness and education with its international exposure and comprehensive screening and treatment packages.  Prior to now, as a result of limited quality oncology care in Nigeria, a large number of Nigerians travelled outside the country for diagnosis and treatment. However, LCC is committed to providing cancer patients with the tools for early detection, diagnosis and consultation with excellent oncologists without having to travel away from loved ones at home."

Commenting on this further, Grace Dy, MD - Medical Oncologist; Associate Professor of Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA stated that, "Nigeria has been recently recognized as an emerging economic giant. Yet, there has been no establishment devoted to manage the complexities of cancer care in this nation, despite the scourge of this disease stealthily claiming lives in this country for years, up until now.  Lakeshore Cancer Center is established by cancer specialists to fill this unmet need.

Saby George, MD - Medical Oncologist; Assistant Professor of Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA, also observed that "Cancer care has not been given the appropriate importance in Nigeria. It is imperative that the medical community in Nigeria take the lead in increasing the cancer awareness by various educational programs. The areas of unmet  need in Nigeria includes cancer prevention, early detection and optimal care. Early detection of curable and treatable cancers are key, in order to have the optimal results from cancer care efforts."

 Prof Arthur Michalek, PhD - Professor of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, the University at Buffalo, NY, USA, added that "The LCC is a significant step in helping Nigerians combat cancer.  The Lakeshore Centre  will provide a single point of operations for individuals to receive information and services related to prevention, detection and treatment.”