Introduction
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed an alarming increase in cancer cases among young people. Once considered a disease that primarily affected older individuals, cancer is now striking in the prime of youth, raising concerns about health, lifestyle, and the state of our medical system. This unsettling trend calls for urgent attention and action from both individuals and policymakers.
in this article we will talk about the high rising of cancer disease among youths, causes of cancer, possible solutions and conclusion.
Causes of the Rising Cancer Rates Among Nigerian Youths
several factors that contributes to the increase in cancer among young Nigerians are:
- Lifestyle Changes
One of the biggest contributors to the rising cases of cancer among Nigerian youths is the shift in lifestyle. Traditionally, Nigerian diets were dominated by fresh, natural, and unprocessed foods like yam, beans, vegetables, and fruits. However, in recent years, there has been a strong shift toward Western-style fast food culture, which comes with heavy consumption of fried foods, processed meats, carbonated drinks, and foods high in sugar and preservatives.
The adoption of unhealthy eating habits, such as processed foods, excessive sugar, and fried snacks, contributes to obesity, which is a known risk factor for many cancers. Coupled with sedentary lifestyles, this makes young people more vulnerable.
2. Environmental Pollution
The environment we live in plays a huge role in shaping our health, and unfortunately, many youths are constantly exposed to hazardous surroundings that increase cancer risks. These environmental influences often go unnoticed, but they are powerful triggers of cancer development.
Exposure to environmental toxins such as smoke, industrial waste, Radiation Exposure, Water Pollution, Waste Management Problems and unsafe agricultural chemicals increases the risk of cancer. Urban areas with poor waste management further worsen the situation.
3.Genetics and Family History
A family history of certain cancers like breast or prostate cancer increases susceptibility. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, many families lack knowledge about their medical history. Conversations around diseases like cancer are often avoided due to fear, stigma, or cultural beliefs. This silence means that many young people remain unaware of their genetic vulnerabilities and, therefore, fail to take preventive steps such as early screening.
4. Late Diagnosis and Poor Health Awareness
One of the biggest challenges fueling the high cancer rate among Nigerian youths is late diagnosis, which is often linked to poor health awareness. In many cases, young people do not recognize early warning signs of cancer or dismiss them as minor illnesses. Symptoms such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, lumps, or abnormal bleeding are frequently ignored until the disease progresses to an advanced stage.
Many youths ignore early symptoms due to a lack of awareness or fear of hospital bills. By the time most cases are detected, the cancer has already advanced, reducing survival chances.
5. Substance Abuse
One of the less-discussed but very significant causes of rising cancer cases among Nigerian youths is substance abuse. Over the years, more young people have turned to harmful habits such as smoking cigarettes, shisha, methamphetamine(Also known as mpuru mmiri) and marijuana (Also known as Cana), as well as excessive consumption of alcohol and misuse of hard drugs. While these behaviors may initially seem like ways to “relieve stress” or “fit in socially,” their long-term effects on health are devastating.
Increasing use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs among youths is also linked to higher cancer risks.
- Lack of Awareness and Education:
Another major factor driving the rise of cancer among Nigerian youths is the lack of proper health awareness and education. In many communities, young people grow up with little to no knowledge about cancer, its risk factors, or its early warning signs. This ignorance often leads to late diagnosis, when treatment options are limited and survival chances are greatly reduced.
There is a deficiency in communication regarding cancer risk factors and symptoms, particularly among younger populations.
- Shortage of Healthcare Professionals:
Another major factor fueling the rising cancer rate among Nigerian youths is the shortage of healthcare professionals. Nigeria has one of the lowest doctor-to-patient ratios in the world, with thousands of doctors and nurses leaving the country each year in search of better opportunities abroad, a trend widely known as the “japa syndrome” This has made Nigeria face a severe lack of oncologists and specialized oncology nurses, which impacts the ability to manage complex cases.
Possible Solutions
While the situation is worrisome, it is not hopeless. Tackling this problem requires both personal and collective action:
- Health Education and Awareness Campaigns
Schools, universities, and communities must prioritize awareness programs to educate young people about cancer symptoms, risk factors, and preventive measures. - Early Screening and Regular Checkups
Encouraging routine medical checkups and affordable cancer screening can help detect cancer early, when treatment is most effective. - Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Youths should embrace balanced diets rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking, excessive drinking, and drug abuse. - Government Intervention
The government must invest in cancer research, subsidize screening, and provide better access to oncology centers nationwide. - Community Support and Counseling
Religious institutions, NGOs, and health bodies should provide counseling and emotional support for young cancer patients, reducing stigma and promoting hope.
Conclusion
The rising rate of cancer among Nigerian youths is a wake-up call. It reflects not only lifestyle challenges but also deeper issues within our healthcare system and society. By promoting awareness, encouraging healthy living, investing in early detection, and ensuring accessible treatment, we can save countless young lives. Cancer is not a death sentence if caught early, and the fight against it starts with knowledge and action.
We should know that Our youths are the future of Nigeria. Protecting them from preventable diseases like cancer is not just a health responsibility but a national duty.