The high cost of cancer treatment in Nigeria is forcing some patients to discontinue care despite presenting at hospitals early, clinical oncologist Dr Omolola Salako has said.

Salako said cancer treatment could cost between ₦10 million and ₦60 million, depending on the type of cancer and the treatment required, making sustained treatment financially difficult for many families.

Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Sunday, the oncologist said the problem was particularly concerning because some patients were seeking medical attention early but were unable to complete their treatment because of the financial burden.

“Where treatment is costing anywhere from 10 million to 15 to 60 million, in reality, many cancer patients are presenting to the hospital early, but they are dropping out of treatment,” Salako said.

She explained that cancer care could involve several treatment approaches, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapy. The combination required depends on the patient’s diagnosis and clinical condition.

Salako also pointed to limited health insurance coverage as another major challenge. Although health insurance schemes are available in Nigeria, she said only a relatively small proportion of Nigerians have adequate coverage for cancer treatment.

The oncologist’s warning is consistent with recent research on the financial impact of cancer treatment in Nigeria.

A 2026 study of breast and cervical cancer patients receiving care at a tertiary health facility in southwestern Nigeria found that 96.2 per cent of respondents experienced high financial toxicity, while 73.3 per cent experienced high psychosocial distress. The study identified treatment costs, loss of income and other financial pressures as major contributors.

Researchers also documented cases in which patients discontinued aspects of their treatment because they could not afford them.

The findings illustrate how a cancer diagnosis can affect not only a patient’s health but also household income, businesses, savings and the ability to meet other basic needs.

The Federal Government has acknowledged the affordability challenge and announced measures aimed at expanding financial support for cancer patients.

In July, the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment said the government had expanded financial support through targeted health funds and insurance initiatives while also increasing investment in local research, drug production and clinical trials.

However, health experts continue to call for stronger investment in cancer prevention, early detection, specialist services and treatment infrastructure.

The high cost of specialised cancer care remains particularly challenging for patients who must travel long distances to access appropriate services or seek treatment outside Nigeria.

For many families, the issue is therefore not simply getting a cancer diagnosis but being able to afford the full course of treatment once the diagnosis is made.

Salako urged Nigerians to prioritise regular medical check-ups and appropriate cancer screening, stressing the importance of detecting the disease early.

The growing concern over treatment affordability has also renewed calls for stronger health insurance coverage and greater public investment to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent patients from completing potentially life-saving cancer treatment.