The Nigerian Cancer Society has warned that surviving cancer in Nigeria does not mark the end of hardship, with many survivors continuing to face financial ruin, physical complications, psychological distress, and social stigma long after completing treatment, in a healthcare environment where survivorship care remains severely limited.

In a statement by President and Chief Executive Professor Abidemi Omonisi issued to mark National Cancer Survivors’ Day 2026, the society said cancer survivors faced significant financial hardship arising from high out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure, limited health insurance coverage, loss of income, and the economic burden on families during and after treatment. Many were forced to exhaust savings, incur debts, or struggle to meet basic needs while trying to access essential follow-up care.

Beyond the financial burden, survivors frequently encountered persistent physical complications including chronic pain, fatigue, lymphedema, infertility, sexual and reproductive health challenges, nutritional difficulties, and long-term side effects of treatment. Many also experienced anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence, post-traumatic stress, and emotional exhaustion without access to adequate psychosocial support.

The society said social stigma remained a major concern, with misconceptions associating cancer with curses, witchcraft, or punishment continuing to fuel discrimination and isolation in some communities. It called on the federal government, state governments, policymakers, healthcare institutions, development partners, and private sector organizations to prioritize cancer survivorship as an integral component of cancer control and not merely as an outcome of treatment.