The appeal comes as the organisation joined Nigerians in mourning the death of renowned Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo, who reportedly passed away at the age of 40 after battling advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
In a statement signed by the National Director of Publicity, Bashir Mohammed Ranccas, the NCS urged stronger collaboration across public and private sectors to improve cancer prevention, awareness, and treatment outcomes nationwide.
“Cancer is increasingly impacting young people”
The society noted that Ekubo had been an active advocate for cancer awareness during his lifetime, participating in campaigns aimed at educating Nigerians and supporting patients living with the disease.
Quoting a statement shared by the actor’s family via his Instagram page, the organisation said his passing underscores a troubling shift in cancer demographics.
“This underscores the urgent need for more research on cancers affecting young people in Nigeria, improved awareness, early detection, and timely access to treatment.”
The NCS stressed that cancer is no longer primarily a disease of older adults, but one that is increasingly being diagnosed among younger Nigerians, raising concerns about late detection and limited access to specialised care.
Call for multi-sector collaboration
The organisation appealed to government institutions, development partners, corporate bodies, philanthropists, and health stakeholders to scale up investments in cancer control efforts.
“The Nigerian Cancer Society calls on well-meaning Nigerians, corporate organisations, development partners, philanthropists, and government institutions to partner with us in combating cancer through awareness creation, screening programs, research, treatment support, and policy advocacy.”
It added that strengthening early detection systems and expanding access to treatment would significantly improve survival rates, particularly for young patients who often present late.
Youth-focused prevention campaign
The NCS also urged Nigerian youths to adopt healthier lifestyles and avoid behaviours that increase cancer risk, including excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, unprotected sexual activity, sharing of sharp instruments, and substance abuse.
It further advised routine screening for viruses linked to cancer development, including Hepatitis B and C, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and HIV.
The organisation highlighted that these infections, if left undetected or untreated, can significantly increase long-term cancer risk.
Youth Coalition drives awareness efforts
Through its youth-led initiative, the Youth Coalition Against Cancer (YOCAC), the NCS said it has been actively engaging young Nigerians as advocates for prevention, early detection, and awareness campaigns across different communities.
The coalition, according to the organisation, is designed to empower young people to take ownership of cancer education efforts and become frontline champions in reducing the disease’s growing impact.
Growing concern over shifting cancer patterns
The NCS warning reflects broader concerns within Nigeria’s public health space about late diagnosis, limited screening infrastructure, and increasing exposure to risk factors among younger populations.
The organisation reiterated that reversing the trend will require coordinated national action, sustained funding, and stronger public health awareness to reduce preventable deaths and improve early intervention outcomes.