Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: The Launch of the First edition of the Nigerian Journal of Oncology
Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, UICC President-Elect of 2024-2026, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“I received a very exciting visit last week from the Association of Radiation Oncologists of Nigeria (ARCON Nigeria). Exciting, because they came to present their newly launched and FIRST ever edition of the Nigerian Journal of Oncology.
Radiotherapy plays a crucial role in treating 40-60% of cancer cases worldwide, yet only 5-10% of Nigerians have access to this life-saving treatment due to limited resources and availability. The situation is even more dire in low-income countries (LICs). Thankfully, organizations like Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), City Cancer Challenge and other global coalitions, are pushing to address this inequity through initiatives like training, grants and cost-neutral radiotherapy machines.
Radiotherapy is effective in over 50% of cancer cases and survival rates reaching up to 90% for early-stage cancers. Thus, increasing access to this treatment is essential to saving lives. I am encouraged by recent activity in the sector as seen from the Nigerian Association of Medical Physicists (NAMP) and similar bodies. We must continue to advocate for improved training because these skilled professionals are the backbone of effective cancer care, who also ensure safe, accurate radiotherapy.
I’m deeply grateful for the collaboration with ARCON Nigeria and the opportunity to contribute to the fight against cancer. I feel honored by the visit from pioneering oncologists as well as the younger ones who are taking up the mantle to continue the fight. I am also personally grateful to the partnership we have recieved from them in treating many of our patients. Together, we can bridge the gap in cancer care.”
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