Cross River State documented 1,459 cancer cases between 2018 and 2022, with women accounting for more than two-thirds of the total, according to data from the Calabar Cancer Registry.
Professor Ima-Obong Ekanem, Director of the Registry, disclosed the figures at a two-day capacity workshop for Cancer Registrars held at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). The training was organised by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) in collaboration with Linkwell Dynamic Concept.
Of the cases recorded, 984 (67.4 per cent) were women and 475 (32.6 per cent) men, giving a male-to-female ratio of 1:2. On average, 292 cases were documented annually — representing a 51 per cent rise compared to 2009–2013.
Ekanem, also Chief Consultant Pathologist at UCTH, explained that the report covered only three of the state’s 18 local government areas and excluded benign tumours, in line with international reporting standards.
Prostate cancer topped the list among men with 149 cases (33.4 per cent), followed by lymphoma, colorectal, breast, mouth and pharynx, larynx, lung, bladder, leukemia, and thyroid cancers.
Among women, breast cancer led with 397 cases (40.3 per cent), followed by cervical cancer with 170 cases (17.3 per cent). Ovarian, uterine, colorectal, and lymphoma cancers were also reported.
In children, 90 cases were documented, with retinoblastoma and lymphoma being the most common.
Ekanem emphasised that over one-third of cancers are preventable by reducing exposure to risk factors and through vaccination against Hepatitis B and Human Papilloma Virus, which are linked to liver and cervical cancers.
She urged healthy diets, regular physical activity, avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol, and reduced sugar and salt intake, while cautioning against harmful practices like skin bleaching.
“For men above 40, annual prostate checks are crucial, while women should perform monthly breast self-examinations and periodic Pap smear and HPV DNA tests,” Ekanem advised.
The pathologist also highlighted that screening services remain largely unaffordable, stressing the need for a stronger health system to guarantee access to diagnosis and treatment. She cited funding and logistical gaps as major challenges facing the registry and called for support.
Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, Director-General of NICRAT, represented at the workshop by Bashir Mustapha, said accurate cancer data is critical for planning, budgeting, and effective national control programmes.
