The Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) has called for a health insurance scheme for cancer care as part of efforts to combat the disease in Nigeria.
Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Betty Akeredolu, and National President of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, Tolu Taiwo, made the call at the BRECAN Jog for Life exercise in Ibadan.
The duo explained the importance of health insurance in fighting cancer and reducing mortality rates.
They called on the government to prioritise cancer care and make it part of the national health policy by making it accessible and affordable to all, especially the average Nigerian.
Akeredolu, who was represented by the Special Assistant on Special Duties to the Wife of the State Governor, Mrs Alex Uka, stressed the need for early detection and medical intervention, lamenting that many women in Nigeria seek medical help only at advanced stages of the disease.
The National President also lamented that cancer treatment is expensive and many insurance plans do not cover it, adding that there has been an increase in deaths linked to breast cancer.
He expressed concern about the growing sense of hopelessness associated with the disease.
