….. United By Unique – Treating Every Cancer Patient As Royalty
Every year, February 4 is a day of reflection, remembrance, and resolve. World Cancer Day (WCD) is not just a date on the calendar—it is a global call to action to confront one of the most formidable health crises of our time. This year, as we mark 25 years since the signing of the Charter of Paris Against Cancer, the theme, ‘United by Unique,’ resonates deeply. It is a reminder that while the fight against cancer is universal, every patient’s journey is uniquely their own. It is a call to honor and support the individual battles of millions across the world.
Cancer is not just a statistic. It is the mother who tucks her children in at night, clinging to the hope of more tomorrows. It is the young man who once dreamt of a future but now battles for his present. It is the friend, the colleague, the child, the sibling. It is all of us.
A Global Crisis with a Human Face
Cancer is a devastating adversary. Cancer affects one in every two of us at some point in our lives and those of loved ones, friends and colleagues around us. In 2022 alone, there were 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths, and the global burden is projected to skyrocket by 77% by 2050.
Africa bears an even heavier burden. In 2022, the continent recorded 1,173,771 new cases and 756,531 deaths, with cancer survival rates at a heartbreaking 12%—a stark contrast to the 80%+ survival rate in high-income nations. Nigeria leads these dire statistics, with 127,763 new cases and 79,542 deaths in 2022, an overwhelming majority of whom were women. But beyond these numbers are faces, voices, and stories of pain and resilience.
Lessons from Royalty: Cancer Knows No Boundaries
Cancer is a great equalizer. It does not discriminate between the rich and poor, the powerful and the humble. Even royalty is not spared. In recent months, the Royal Family has been struck by successive cancer diagnoses—HRH Sarah, Duchess of York; HRH Catherine, the Princess of Wales; and HRM King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth. Each of them has faced their own unique battle, receiving world-class care tailored to their individual needs.
The good news? Their stories reinforce the message that cancer is not a death sentence. HRH the Princess of Wales recently announced in January 2025 that her cancer is in remission—a testament to the power of timely intervention and comprehensive care. Their access to cutting-edge treatment at The Royal Marsden played a crucial role in their recovery. But what about those in developing nations who do not have access to such care?
The Need for a Royal Marsden in Nigeria
The Royal Marsden, established as the Free Cancer Hospital in 1851 by Dr. William Marsden, was born from personal loss. When his beloved wife, Elizabeth Ann, died of cancer, he resolved to change the course of the disease. What started as a small dispensary has now become one of the world’s leading cancer institutions.
But here lies the tragedy: Nigeria has no Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CCC). While India has over 200 CCCs (many of which are non-profit and philanthropy-driven), and several African countries—Egypt, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, and Sudan—have at least one, Nigeria has none.
As a result, Nigerians spend over $1 billion annually on medical tourism, seeking treatment abroad. This amount could fund 20 Comprehensive Cancer Centres every year. Yet, many who travel for care do not return home alive. The loss of General Toareed Lagbaja, Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff, in November 2024, while undergoing treatment abroad, is yet another painful reminder.
Every Cancer Patient Deserves the Royal Treatment
This World Cancer Day, we must confront an uncomfortable truth: in Nigeria, a cancer diagnosis is too often a death sentence. The unknown woman in a rural village dying from preventable cervical cancer is just as important as the Princess of Wales. She too is royalty—a queen in her own right, a mother, a wife, a daughter. Her life matters.
That is why ↓↑GivingTide is championing the BIG WAR Against Cancer, through the National Cancer Prevention Programme (NCPP). Since 2007, NCPP has led community-based cancer prevention efforts across Nigeria, with a great vision: to establish Nigeria’s first Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
The Call for National Heroes: Who are the Williamses of Nigeria?
Dr. William Marsden was just one man, yet his love for his wife led to the creation of a world-renowned institution that has saved millions of lives. The medical visionaries who founded mass medical mission are like Dr. Marsden. But who will join us in this BIG War? We need other visionaries, philanthropists, and leaders who believe that every Nigerian deserves access to world-class cancer care without having to seek it abroad. We need bold champions who will declare: No more needless deaths. No more hopeless diagnoses. No more preventable losses.
For nearly two decades, HRH Prince William, the Prince of Wales, has been a driving force behind The Royal Marsden, serving as its President since 2007 and inspiring its mission—one that has now personally touched his own family. The Princess of Wales, after facing her own battle with cancer and receiving treatment at The Royal Marsden, has now joined him as a joint Patron, further strengthening the hospital’s legacy of excellence.
Nigeria, too, needs committed Patrons like the Prince and Princess of Wales—leaders with the vision and will to transform cancer care in our nation. The time has come for heroes to rise, ensuring that no Nigerian is denied life-saving treatment due to lack of access. The question is: Who will step forward to make this a reality?
A Commitment for Change
On World Cancer Day 2025, let us make a promise—not just to raise awareness, but to ACT (Attcak Cancer Together!). The time for half-measures is over. We must invest in cancer prevention, early detection, research, and treatment infrastructure. We must rally behind ↓↑GivingTide to build Nigeria’s first Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Because every cancer patient is royalty. And every life is worth saving.
Dr. Abia Nzelu
Executive Secretary, ↓↑GivingTide Int’l
For inquiries: info@givingtide.org
