Overview of Cancer in Nigeria

Category : Tell us your Story | Sub Category : Tell us your Story Posted on 2026-03-06 12:38:05

Cancer is a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with increasing cases and deaths driven by population growth, aging, lifestyle changes, and persistent risk factors like infections. Human papillomavirus (HPV) contributes to cervical cancer, while hepatitis B and C infections contribute to liver cancer. Although many people think cancer is rare in Nigeria, this perception comes from underdiagnosis, limited healthcare access, and incomplete reporting. In reality, cancer is a growing burden.

As of 2022, Nigeria recorded approximately 127,763 new cancer cases, 79,542 deaths, and 269,109 people living with cancer diagnosed in the last five years. The age-standardized incidence rate is 113.6 per 100,000 people, while the mortality rate is 74.6 per 100,000. Over 70 percent of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages. These numbers are underestimates because cancer registries cover only some urban areas such as Abuja, Calabar, and Ekiti.

Nigeria’s cancer profile differs from global patterns because a higher proportion of cases are linked to infections. Around 30 to 40 percent of cancers in Nigeria are associated with preventable causes such as hepatitis or HPV. The overall risk of developing cancer before age 75 is 12.1 percent, and the risk of dying from it is 8.0 percent. Compared to global averages, Nigeria’s incidence rates are lower but are rising faster due to demographic changes. Life expectancy in Nigeria has increased from about 46 years in 1990 to 53 years in 2026, allowing more people to reach ages where cancer is more common.

Key Statistics: Incidence, Mortality, and Prevalence

New Cases: 127,763
Deaths: 79,542
5-Year Prevalence: 269,109
ASR Incidence per 100,000: 113.6
ASR Mortality per 100,000: 74.6
Cumulative Risk (0-74 years) - Incidence: 12.1%
Cumulative Risk (0-74 years) - Mortality: 8.0%

Prevalence shows that around 269,000 Nigerians are living with a cancer diagnosis from the last five years, highlighting the need for ongoing care. The mortality-to-incidence ratio is about 0.62, which is high compared to high-income countries where it is closer to 0.3. This reflects limited access to treatment and late-stage presentation.

Top Cancer Types

Breast, prostate, and cervical cancers dominate Nigeria’s cancer landscape. Infectious causes play a major role in some types. Breast and cervical cancers are strongly associated with HPV, while liver cancer is linked to hepatitis.

Both Sexes

1. Breast: 32,278 cases, 25.3 percent of total, ASR 51.5 (females)

2. Prostate: 18,019 cases, 14.1 percent, ASR 41.2 (males)

3. Cervix Uteri: 13,676 cases, 10.7 percent, ASR 27.9 (females)

4. Colorectum: 8,114 cases, 6.4 percent

5. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: 5,194 cases, 4.1 percent

Males

1. Prostate: 18,019 cases, 37.5 percent

2. Colorectum: 4,507 cases, 9.4 percent

3. Liver: 2,519 cases, 5.2 percent

4. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: 1,942 cases, 4.0 percent

5. Kaposi Sarcoma: 1,160 cases, 2.4 percent

Females

1. Breast: 32,278 cases, 40.5 percent

2. Cervix Uteri: 13,676 cases, 17.2 percent

3. Colorectum: 3,607 cases, 4.5 percent

4. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: 3,252 cases, 4.1 percent

5. Ovary: 2,906 cases, 3.6 percent

Breast cancer alone accounts for about 27 percent of female cancer deaths, with a five-year survival rate below 40 percent due to late detection. Prostate cancer leads male mortality with an ASR of 27.9 per 100,000.

Historical Trends

Cancer incidence in Nigeria has risen steadily over the decades, driven by urbanization, westernized diets, tobacco use, and infections.

• Overall incidence rose from approximately 102,100 new cases in 2012 to 127,763 in 2022, a 25 percent increase. ASR for women rose from 121.7 in 2012 to 133.3 in 2022.

• Breast cancer has seen a dramatic rise, with ASR increasing from 13.7 per 100,000 in the 1960s to 51.5 in 2022. Cases surged over 500 percent from 1990 to 2023.

• Cervical cancer has remained relatively stable in ASR but total cases have increased due to population growth.

• Prostate cancer incidence rose from ASR 30.7 in 2012 to 41.2 in 2022.

• Deaths increased from 71,600 in 2012 to 79,542 in 2022. Hospital data show cancer accounts for 17 to 19 percent of deaths.

Regional differences exist, with higher rates in urban southern areas like Lagos and rising cases in northeastern states. Lifestyle factors like tobacco use (33 percent attributable) and obesity (20 percent) contribute to roughly 70 percent of cases.

Future Projections

Cancer cases in Nigeria are expected to rise sharply. By 2040, Nigeria could see over 250,000 new cases annually, and by 2050 over 300,000 if current trends continue. Population growth, urbanization, and lifestyle shifts are major drivers. Current challenges include limited treatment centers—only seven radiotherapy facilities for over 220 million people—leading to late diagnoses and low survival rates.

The National Cancer Control Plan 2026-2030 aims to improve prevention, early detection, and decentralize cancer care across the country. Investments in vaccination, registries, and healthcare infrastructure could reduce mortality and improve survival for future generations.

In summary, Nigeria’s cancer burden is escalating due to demographic changes, infections, lifestyle, and healthcare limitations. While incidence rates are lower than in Europe, they are rising faster, and mortality remains high. Early detection, treatment access, and public health measures are key to reducing the impact of cancer in Nigeria.