Runcie C.W. Chidebe: Mama’s death could have been avoided if she had access to the targeted therapy that she needed greatly
Runcie C.W. Chidebe,
“Mama, you did not fight cancer, you won cancer a long time ago. You were diagnosed in 2010 and lived cancer-free for 11 years. Painfully, it came back again in 2021. You didn’t give up. While many people may not understand, I know you already won cancer a long time ago. You were not afraid of death, you were only afraid of your children and other champions (cancer patients).
Yes, Mama is gone, but what can we do to ensure many “mamas” survive after a cancer diagnosis? Sadly, almost every cancer diagnosis leads to death in Nigeria including the rich. The government must increase its priority to cancer control. Mama’s death could have been avoided if she had access to the targeted therapy that she needed greatly. Painfully, she had to travel to Egypt to get this. I have many friends all over the world who had metastatic breast cancer and they are still doing great and living their lives. In Nigeria, a metastatic breast cancer is similar to a death sentence.
Inequities in access to care and treatment are stark in Nigeria, we cannot make any progress by only advocating for early diagnosis without early and timely treatment. Nigerian doctors are not magicians, they can only do what they can with the available medications and types of equipment.
Rest in Power, Mama. Your assignment to us at Project PINK BLUE shall never dime. ”
Source: Runcie C.W. Chidebe/LinkedIn
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