PROJECT PINK BLUE LAUNCHES SCROGGINS PATIENT ADVOCACY FELLOWSHIP AS OVER 50% OF WOMEN LIVING WITH CANCER

In the effort to strengthen cancer advocacy and amplify patient voices, Project PINK BLUE – Health & Psychological Trust Centre has launched a new patient-centred programme known as Dicey Scroggins Patient Advocacy Fellowship for gynaecological cancer survivors and patients in Nigeria.

Farida Banwo Health Communications Associate of Project PINK BLUE who represented the Executive Director Runcie Chidebe stated this in Abuja at the launching of Dicey Scroggins Patient Advocacy Fellowship Centre, where she stated that the fellowship aims to empower women affected by gynaecological (i.e., ovarian, uterine, womb, etc) cancer to become advocates, not only for themselves but also for women navigating similar journeys as she stated that Over 50% of women living with cancer endure severe pain, yet access to effective pain and palliative care remains a luxury rather than a right.

Speaking filurther , she noted that World Health Organisation’s global strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer (targets 90:70:90) that all member countries, including Nigeria, should provide timely and effective treatment for 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease. Sadly, we are focusing on prevention more and less on treatment of those already with the disease. We appeal to the government to increase the number of brachytherapy in Nigeria and improve access to cervical cancer treatment”

Hajia Hadiza Binji a Cervical Cancer Survivor explained that In 2022, an estimated 13,676 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer; sadly, 7,093 of these women died. Simply over 51% of the women diagnosed with cervical cancer died. Similarly, 2,906 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2022, and 1,824 died, which is over 62%. Cancer of the vagina, vulva and uterus (also known as endometrial cancer) are gynaecological cancers that have been taking away the lives of women in Nigeria, but is hardly heard. Women with these cancers suffer in silence. An estimated 1,056 women were diagnosed with cancer of the vulva, and 574 died. Over 170 women were diagnosed with cancer of the vagina, and 95 of the women died of the disease. All these cancers occur in organs that play a role in reproduction, yet there is limited priority given to the needs of women with these kinds of cancers.

Ms. Ivy Umeh – Cervical Cancer Survivor shared her story that Pain is one thing that we women with gynecologic cancer suffer from more. Painfully palliative care and access to pain medication are very poor. Patients are often forced to sell their properties, take out loans, or seek help via social media to afford treatment. Many endure unbearable, untreated pain, with some experiencing suicidal thoughts due to the physical and emotional burden. Tragically, many die in pain without receiving adequate pain management and palliative support. Most oncology units in Nigeria lack a dedicated pain and palliative care unit. We need the government’s help in reducing these burdens.

Survivor Story: Mercy Agu Sopuruchi breast cancer Survivor on active treatment said,
“Today, we see a lot of campaigns on the HPV vaccination in Nigeria, which is the vaccine that can prevent cervical cancer. While HPV vaccination efforts are commendable, there has been little priority placed on treatment access for women already affected by cervical cancer. These women feel abandoned in policy discussions, with few platforms focusing on their treatment needs, survival, and quality of life.

At Project PINK BLUE, we have continued to advocate for patients. Still, we recognise that empowering cancer survivors themselves to become advocates is a powerful tool to transform the cancer care experience in Nigeria. Research consistently shows that patients with lived experience, when equipped with the right knowledge and skills, become impactful voices for change in health systems and communities. Cancer patients will be better positioned to drive awareness, they are in a better position to encourage other cancer patients to go for treatment and remain in treatment, and cancer patients are more powerful in educating the communities to have a better lifestyle that could reduce the risk of cancer.

The Dicey Scroggins Patient Advocacy Fellowship is a core component of the Count Me In: Pain and Palliative Project, supported by the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) under the Dicey Scroggins Fund for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). This aims to promote equity and access to pain management and palliative care for marginalised women living with gynecologic cancers in Nigeria.
This training programme seeks to address that gap by equipping cancer survivors with skills to: Advocate for equitable and affordable treatment. Raise awareness about the realities of cancer care in Nigeria.
Influence policies that prioritise pain management, palliative care, and comprehensive cancer treatment.
Empower the cancer survivors/patients to speak up not only for themselves but also for the community.