The Chief Executive Officer of the Kano Cancer Treatment Centre (KCTC), Dr. Nafisa Abdu, has called on members of the public to seek prompt medical evaluation at the nearest healthcare facility if they notice persistent lumps, unexplained swelling, prolonged bone pain, or any lump larger than five centimetres, noting that early detection and diagnosis are critical to mitigating the impact of sarcoma, a rare but serious form of cancer.
She made the appeal in a statement to commemorate July as Sarcoma Awareness Month, urging Nigerians to pay greater attention to sarcoma, a rare but serious group of cancers often referred to as the “forgotten cancer” because of the low level of public awareness and frequent delays in diagnosis.
According to Dr. Abdu, sarcomas are a rare group of cancers in which malignant cells develop in the bones or soft connective tissues of the body.
These cancers can arise in the muscles, fat, blood vessels, tendons, cartilage and other supporting tissues, affecting both children and adults.
She noted that because sarcomas are often difficult to distinguish from other cancers, particularly when they occur within internal organs, their true incidence is likely underestimated.
Dr. Abdu explained that one of the greatest challenges in the management of sarcoma is delayed diagnosis, as its symptoms are frequently mistaken for less serious conditions.
She emphasized that early detection remains the most effective way to improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.
Dr. Abdu urged healthcare professionals to maintain a high index of suspicion when evaluating patients with persistent lumps, unexplained swelling or prolonged bone pain, noting that timely referral and accurate diagnosis are critical to successful treatment.
She further explained that effective management of sarcoma requires a multidisciplinary approach involving surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, oncology nurses, physiotherapists and other specialists working collaboratively to provide comprehensive and individualized patient care.
Dr. Abdu reiterated that this year’s Sarcoma Awareness Month serves as a reminder that no cancer should be forgotten.
She called on government, healthcare institutions, civil society organizations, the media and the general public to work together to increase awareness, promote early diagnosis and expand access to quality cancer care for all Nigerians.
She encouraged anyone experiencing persistent lumps, unexplained swelling or prolonged bone pain to seek immediate medical attention rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen, stressing that early diagnosis can save lives and significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.
She noted that the Kano Cancer Treatment Centre (KCTC) is dedicated to providing world-class, patient-centred cancer care through advanced diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and multidisciplinary clinical expertise, with the goal of improving survival rates and enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients.
