“UNITED BY UNIQUE,” is the theme for World Cancer from 2025 – 2027.
This period iscuse to reflect and raise awareness on the epidemic which is preventable and curable if detected early.
Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria, joins the global community in putting the issue of cancer in the front burner as State and non-State actors collaboratively shifted attention towards emerging issues on cancer.
The events in Jos, the Plateau State Capital featured Road-Shows and Press briefing, where non-state actors called on residents of Plateau State to intensify efforts toward cancer awareness, early detection, prevention and support.
Executive Director of Ochaworth Leadership and Community Development Initiative (OWLACDI), Dirmicit Binyir Pyentam, urged government at all levels to prioritise cancer research and treatment, and to make cancer care affordable, especially for women and vulnerable groups.
“Cancer is often seen as a death sentence, but it is not. With early detection and proper treatment, lives can be saved. As an organisation, we are here to encourage cancer fighters and survivors and let them know that cancer is not the end”, she concluded.
Underscoring the significance of the theme, “United by Unique”, Plateau State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Nicholas Bamlong, said it calls on us to place people at the centre of cancer care.
He noted that behind every diagnosis is a person with a story, a family, and a future, stressing our approach must therefore go beyond treatment alone, whimust include dignity, support, early detection, and equitable access to services.
According to the Health Commissioner, common cancers in Plateau State, as reported in health facilities include those of the breast and cervical in women and prostate in men.
Contributing, Vice Chairperson of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Plateau State Chapter, Egweye Egbodo, said February 4 is dedicated globally to raising cancer awareness, adding that activities which were once concentrated in Abuja have now been decentralised to states and grassroots communities.
She revealed that Plateau State is hosting the North Central zonal rally for World Cancer Day 2026, with a series of activities scheduled throughout February, including mega rallies, symposiums, screening exercises and training sessions for healthcare professionals
