Experts demand patient navigators in all cancer centres

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The Health & Psychological Trust Centre has called on the federal government, state governments, hospital managements, and major stakeholders in cancer care to urgently deploy patient navigation services across all cancer centres in Nigeria.

The call followed the conclusion of the Women Empowering Women – Breast Cancer Navigation & Technology Programme (WEW-BCNaP) Patient Navigation Training held in Abuja from April 21 to 22, 2026.

The initiative, organised by Project PINK BLUE with support from AstraZeneca under the Powering Breast Cancer Progress programme, aims to tackle late detection of breast cancer and improve access to diagnosis and treatment through patient support systems and mobile technology.

Nigeria continues to face a worsening breast cancer crisis. According to the World Health Organization, the country recorded 32,278 new breast cancer cases and 16,332 deaths in 2022 alone.

Experts say many women, especially younger patients, are often overwhelmed after diagnosis, with fear, stigma, financial hardship, poor understanding of treatment, and difficulty navigating the health system causing delays in care and, in many cases, abandonment of treatment altogether.

Founder of Nigeria’s first patient navigation programme and Executive Director of Project PINK BLUE, Runcie C.W. Chidebe, said patient navigation can save lives by ensuring patients are not left alone to struggle through the healthcare system.

“Patient navigation provides structured support to help patients understand their diagnosis, access referrals, keep appointments, remain on treatment, and receive psychosocial and financial support throughout their cancer journey,” he said.

Chidebe noted that although patient navigation has been included in Nigeria’s National Cancer Control Plan (2026–2030), authorities must move beyond policy declarations to implementation.

“No cancer patient should die because they were lost in the health system,” he declared.

Through the WEW-BCNaP programme, breast cancer survivors, retired nurses, social workers, peer supporters, and healthcare workers have been trained to serve as patient navigators.

Participants at the Abuja training described the programme as a critical intervention that equips them with practical tools to support patients beyond medical treatment.

The programme also introduced digital tools, including the PINK BLUE App, designed to improve patient tracking, referrals, follow-up, and communication.

Project Manager of WEW-BCNaP, Deborah Ejemole, described the app as “the Uber of oncology,” saying it would help newly diagnosed patients quickly find the right care pathways, resources, and support systems.

“For many newly diagnosed patients, the biggest challenge is uncertainty — not knowing where to go, who to speak to, or what the next step should be,” she said.

Breast cancer survivor and Co-chair of the WEW-BCNaP Steering Committee, Olushola Akapo, said patient navigation goes beyond healthcare delivery and represents hope, empathy, and emotional support for women facing cancer.

“Patient navigation is not just a role; it is a lifeline built on presence, empathy, and human connection,” she said.

Stakeholders at the training agreed that stronger patient-centred support systems would help improve early diagnosis, treatment compliance, continuity of care, and survival outcomes for women battling breast cancer in Nigeria.

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