The Chief Executive Officer of the Kano Cancer Treatment Centre (KCTC), Dr. Nafisa Abdu, has urged Nigerians to seek prompt medical evaluation if they notice persistent lumps, unexplained swelling, prolonged bone pain, or any lump larger than five centimetres, stressing that early detection and diagnosis are critical to improving outcomes for people living with sarcoma.
Dr. Abdu made the appeal in a statement issued to commemorate July as Sarcoma Awareness Month, describing sarcoma as a rare but serious group of cancers often referred to as the “forgotten cancer” due to low public awareness and frequent delays in diagnosis.
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She explained that sarcomas develop when malignant cells form in the bones or soft connective tissues, including muscles, fat, blood vessels, tendons, cartilage and other supporting tissues.
According to her, the disease affects both children and adults and is often difficult to distinguish from other cancers, particularly when it occurs in internal organs, making its true incidence likely underreported.
The KCTC Chief Executive Officer identified delayed diagnosis as one of the greatest challenges in sarcoma management, noting that its symptoms are frequently mistaken for less serious conditions.
She emphasized that early detection remains the most effective way to improve treatment outcomes and increase survival rates.
Dr. Abdu also called on healthcare professionals to maintain a high index of suspicion when evaluating patients presenting with persistent lumps, unexplained swelling or prolonged bone pain, stressing that timely referral and accurate diagnosis are essential for effective treatment.
She noted that successful management of sarcoma requires a multidisciplinary approach involving surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, oncology nurses, physiotherapists and other specialists working together to provide comprehensive, patient-centred care.
The KCTC boss said this year’s Sarcoma Awareness Month serves as a reminder that no cancer should be overlooked, urging governments, healthcare institutions, civil society organisations, the media and the public to intensify efforts toward raising awareness, promoting early diagnosis and expanding access to quality cancer care across Nigeria.
She further encouraged individuals experiencing persistent lumps, unexplained swelling or prolonged bone pain to seek immediate medical attention instead of waiting for symptoms to worsen, noting that early diagnosis can save lives and significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.
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Dr. Abdu reaffirmed the Kano Cancer Treatment Centre’s commitment to delivering world-class, patient-centred cancer care through advanced diagnostic services, comprehensive treatment and multidisciplinary clinical expertise aimed at improving survival rates and enhancing the quality of life of cancer patients.