By KHADIJAH ALIYU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Kano Cancer Treatment Centre (KCTC) has called on Nigerians to seek prompt medical evaluation if they notice persistent lumps, unexplained swelling, prolonged bone pain or any lump larger than five centimetres, saying early detection is crucial to improving survival from sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre, Dr. Nafisa Abdu, made the call in a statement marking July as Sarcoma Awareness Month, describing sarcoma as a rare but serious group of cancers commonly referred to as the “forgotten cancer” because of low public awareness and frequent delays in diagnosis.
Dr. Abdu explained that sarcoma develops when malignant cells form in the bones or soft connective tissues, including muscles, fat, blood vessels, tendons and cartilage.
She noted that the disease affects both children and adults and is often difficult to diagnose, particularly when it occurs in internal organs.
She identified delayed diagnosis as one of the greatest challenges in the management of sarcoma, noting that its symptoms are often mistaken for less serious conditions, thereby reducing patients’ chances of successful treatment.
The KCTC Chief Executive Officer urged healthcare professionals to maintain a high index of suspicion when assessing patients with persistent lumps, unexplained swelling or prolonged bone pain, stressing that timely referral and accurate diagnosis remain essential for effective treatment.
According to her, the 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.
Dr. Abdu said this year’s Sarcoma Awareness Month serves as a reminder that no cancer should be forgotten, calling on governments, healthcare institutions, civil society organisations, the media and members of the public to intensify awareness campaigns, promote early diagnosis and expand access to quality cancer care across the country.
She also encouraged anyone experiencing persistent lumps, unexplained swelling or prolonged bone pain to seek immediate medical attention rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen, emphasizing that early diagnosis can save lives and significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Dr. Abdu reaffirmed the Kano Cancer Treatment Centre’s commitment to providing world-class, patient-centred cancer care through advanced diagnosis, comprehensive treatment and multidisciplinary clinical expertise aimed at improving survival rates and enhancing the quality of life of cancer patients.
