Writing by Abdullahi Jalaluddeen;Editing by Abubakar Hamza.
The Kano Cancer Treatment Centre (KCTC), in partnership with the Oncology Nursing Society of Nigeria, has held its maiden Cancer Awareness Walk in Kano, marking a major milestone in the fight against cancer in the state.
The event, organised as part of activities commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month, drew healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, students, and community members in a united show of support for cancer patients and survivors.
Participants included members of the Oncology Nursing Society of Nigeria, the Kano Association of Medical Students, Khayr Cancer Initiative, Women’s Cancer Development and Treatment Foundation (WCDTF), healthcare workers from Prime Specialist Hospital, and other partners in the oncology ecosystem.
The walk was aimed at promoting early detection, demystifying common myths surrounding cancer, and amplifying public awareness of preventive measures.
Speaking at the event, officials of KCTC said the initiative was part of the centre’s commitment to advancing public health and community engagement in the fight against cancer.
“As the only functional radiotherapy centre in Kano, KCTC is not only focused on treatment but also on education and prevention,” an official said. “Early detection saves lives, and community awareness is the first step toward reducing cancer-related deaths.”
Following the awareness walk, KCTC hosted an interactive education session for secondary school girls drawn from Nigerian Tulip International College, Intercontinental School, and Sunflower Schools.
The session focused on breast cancer myths and facts, the importance of early screening, and practical demonstrations on self-breast examination techniques.
In addition to the health awareness session, the students were exposed to career opportunities in oncology care.
Experts delivered talks encouraging them to consider professions such as radiotherapy, radiography, oncology nursing, and hospital administration.
The presentations highlighted the critical role of trained professionals in the effective management of cancer and the sustainability of specialised treatment facilities in Nigeria.
The students were later taken on a guided tour of the KCTC facility, where they observed cancer treatment operations and were introduced to modern equipment used in radiotherapy and oncology care.
The tour provided them with firsthand experience of the life-saving work being carried out at the centre.
Speaking to journalists, representatives from partnering organizations praised the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful in a period when cancer cases are on the rise globally.
They called for more community-based engagement to improve awareness and encourage routine screening among women and men.
The maiden KCTC Cancer Awareness Walk, which served the dual purpose of sensitization and youth engagement, is expected to become an annual event.
The event ended with a renewed call to action for collective responsibility in the fight against cancer: “Cancer is not a death sentence if detected early. Together, we can save lives through awareness, education, and compassion.”
Abdullahi Jalaluddeen Kano.
