US-Based Researcher Advocates Free Annual Cancer Screening for Nigerians

A United States–based Nigerian oncology researcher and nurse practitioner, Edith Declan, has urged the Federal Government to provide free annual preventive health screenings for all citizens, emphasizing that early detection and prevention remain the most effective ways to reduce cancer-related deaths in Nigeria.

Declan explained that one of the country’s major challenges in cancer control is the lack of structured preventive healthcare and public awareness.

“The first and most important step in cancer control is prevention,” she said. “Our world is already filled with carcinogens—from the food we eat to the air we breathe. What we can do is promote awareness, early screening, and lifestyle changes. That’s where policy intervention makes the greatest impact.”

Declan, a clinical translational research and community engagement nurse practitioner at Texas Southern University, advocated for a national policy that would entitle every Nigerian to free yearly medical screening.

“Government can make preventive health free. Every citizen should have a health card that guarantees access to annual screenings — prostate tests for men, mammograms for women, cervical cancer checks, and more. Early detection saves both lives and costs,” she said.

According to her, Nigeria’s high cancer burden is worsened by late diagnosis and a lack of research-driven health policies. She suggested that the government strengthen existing research and oncology institutions rather than create new ones, while also collaborating with international pharmaceutical firms for cancer research.

Declan, whose research focuses on breast and prostate cancer prevention, said she plans to extend her U.S.-based cancer prevention program to Nigeria. Her ongoing $2 million grant-funded initiative in Texas provides free breast cancer screenings for 2,400 women and health education for 15,000 women over three years.

“I plan to bring free breast, prostate, cervical, and lung cancer screenings to Nigerian communities soon,” she stated.

Highlighting the toll cancer takes on patients, she described it as both physically and emotionally draining. “The words ‘you have cancer’ change everything — patients start worrying about survival, family, and finances. Without health insurance, the financial burden becomes unbearable,” she said.

She also identified poor diet, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and obesity as major risk factors for cancer in Nigeria. “Sugary and fatty foods, alcohol, and a sedentary lifestyle increase cancer risk. Even our staple foods, like rice, have high glycaemic levels. Combined with environmental hazards, the danger multiplies,” she warned.

Declan further stressed the importance of maintaining family health records, noting that genetic awareness is vital for cancer prevention. “Many Nigerians don’t know their family’s medical history. Some still attribute cancer to spiritual causes, but genetics plays a huge role,” she said.

Through her nurse training institute, Penn Health Institute, Declan integrates academic and community engagement, using data-driven approaches to improve both nursing education and public health awareness.

“Treatment is costly and only reaches a few, but prevention is affordable and can save millions. That’s where our focus should be,” she added.

For aspiring oncology nurses, Declan advised, “This field requires emotional strength and a clear purpose. It’s not easy watching patients decline, but helping them live longer and better makes it deeply rewarding.”

She reaffirmed her commitment to bringing cancer awareness and preventive care to Nigerian communities, stating, “Cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. With awareness, screening, and healthier living, we can save countless lives.”