Stakeholders, at the Women Empowering Women Breast Cancer Navigation and Technology Programme, WEW-BCNaP, in Abuja, advocated nationwide rollout of patient navigation systems across Nigeria’s cancer centres to improve access to care and survival outcomes.

Experts at the forum pointed out prevailing challenges faced by cancer patients, including delays in diagnosis, treatment, and the high cost of care.

Deborah Nwanna, Research, Grant and Sustainability Associate at Project Pink Blue, said many patients still struggle to navigate the health system. She noted that patient navigation provides critical guidance, psychosocial support, and helps patients stay on treatment.

She added that survivors, social workers, and healthcare professionals are being trained as navigators, supported by digital tools to improve tracking, communication, and referrals, while calling for urgent nationwide implementation.

Sarah Abagai, Head of Dietetics at the National Hospital, Abuja, warned against increasing consumption of highly processed foods, urging Nigerians to return to natural, wholesome diets.

She stressed that while healthy eating supports overall wellbeing and may reduce some risks, cancer remains complex and cannot be prevented or cured by diet alone.

The experts emphasized the need for stronger patient-centred care and increased public awareness to improve cancer outcomes across Nigeria.