By Rabiu Sanusi
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 crucial to improving outcomes for people with sarcoma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer.
Dr. Abdu made the appeal in a statement marking Sarcoma Awareness Month in July, calling for increased public awareness of the disease, which is often described as the “forgotten cancer” due to its rarity and the frequent delays in diagnosis.
She explained that sarcoma is a group of rare cancers that develop in the bones or soft connective tissues, including muscles, fat, blood vessels, tendons, cartilage, and other supporting tissues.
The disease can affect both children and adults and is often difficult to distinguish from other types of cancer, particularly when it develops in internal organs, leading to an underestimation of its true incidence.
According to Dr. Abdu, delayed diagnosis remains one of the greatest challenges in managing sarcoma because its symptoms are often mistaken for less serious conditions.
She emphasized that early detection is the most effective way to improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.
She also urged healthcare professionals to maintain a high index of suspicion when assessing patients with persistent lumps, unexplained swelling, or prolonged bone pain, noting that timely referral and accurate diagnosis are essential for successful treatment.
Dr. Abdu further explained that effective sarcoma management 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.
She said this year’s Sarcoma Awareness Month serves as a reminder that no cancer should be overlooked, calling on governments, healthcare institutions, civil society organisations, the media, and the public to collaborate in raising awareness, promoting early diagnosis, and expanding access to quality cancer care across Nigeria.
The KCTC Chief Executive Officer encouraged anyone experiencing persistent lumps, unexplained swelling, or prolonged bone pain to seek immediate medical attention rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen, noting that early diagnosis can save lives and significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.
She added that the Kano Cancer Treatment Centre remains committed to providing world-class, patient-centred cancer care through advanced diagnostic services, comprehensive treatment, and multidisciplinary clinical expertise aimed at improving survival rates and enhancing patients’ quality of life.
