By Abdulfatah Babatunde
Lagos, July 14, ’25 (TNZ) A health NGO, Khayr Cancer Health Initiative (KCHI), recently commemorated the National Cancer Survivors Day, 2025 via a sensitisation webinar on Saturday.
TheNewsZenith reports that the 16th edition of the webinar has the theme: “Hope Rekindled: Celebrating Our Champions.
KCHI dedicated the session to celebrating cancer survivors, reducing stigma, and reinforcing the message that no warrior fights alone.
Our Correspondent reports that the two-hour webinar was rich with insightful presentations, personal testimonies, and empowering discussions.
The discussions focused on cancer survivorship, coping strategies, and holistic care.
Participants in the virtual event included survivors, healthcare professionals, advocates, government representatives, caregivers, and other key stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, the Special Guest of Honour,
Mr Kunle Olanrewaju, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to President Bola Tinubu on National Assembly Matters, delivered the Federal Government’s goodwill message.
Olanrewaju highlighted ongoing federal government efforts and policy actions to reduce the burden of cancer in Nigeria.
According to him, the Federal government is working on cancer-related legislation and improved funding for the health sector.
He also commended KCHI for its unwavering leadership in cancer advocacy, awareness, and care delivery.
Prof. Kimlin Tam Ashing, of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Centre, California, USA, delivered a keynote presentation.
The presentation is titled “Management of Anxiety and Depression in Adult Survivors of Cancer”.
Ashing emphasised that in low-resource settings like Nigeria, managing cancer-related anxiety requires culturally embedded and accessible interventions.
She outlined strategies such as peer support, community training, self-management techniques, incorporation of telehealth, and access to therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy.
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The expert also emphasised the importance of healthy lifestyle practices.
She further provided guideline-based recommendations for effective anxiety and physical wellness management.
Dr Aisha Mustapha, a cancer survivor and Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, gave a moving account of her cancer journey.
Mustapha spoke about the emotional toll of diagnosis, treatment challenges, stigma, and personal limitations.
She highlighted the value of strong support systems, early detection, and emotional resilience as panacea for stemming the scourge of cancer.
Also speaking, a member of the National Task Force Committee for Cervical Cancer Elimination (NTF-CCE), Dr Denise Ejoh, shared practical and uplifting lessons from her survivorship journey.
Ejoh, who is also the CEO of the Cormode Cancer Foundation, encouraged cancer warriors to embrace resilience, share their stories, and lean on faith and community as pillars of strength.
TheNewsZenith reports that Princess Tinu Lawal, Founder of the Atinuke Cancer Foundation, moderated the session.
Lawal emphasised the need to prioritise survivorship in cancer care and strategies for stigma eradication.
She also reflected on her journey as a cancer survivor since 2014. She drew attention to how access to cancer care has improved over the years.
In her welcome address, Dr Bilikisu Farouk-Usman, a member of the KCHI Board of Trustees, set the tone of warmth and solidarity for the event.
She emphasised the significance of such gatherings in building a strong community of support for cancer warriors and survivors.
Farouk-Usman reaffirmed KCHI’s continued commitment to advocacy, empowerment, and survivorship care. (TNZ)
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