By Move Against Cancer Africa (MACA)
Abuja, Nigeria | 2025
In a milestone for kidney cancer care in West Africa, Nigeria has participated in the Global Patient Survey on kidney cancer for the first time. The 2025 edition included responses from Nigerian kidney cancer patients and their caregivers, gathered through a collaboration between Move Against Cancer Africa (MACA), International Kidney Cancer Coalition, National Hospital Abuja and Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre. This is the first time any West African country has contributed to the survey, offering valuable insight into the lived experiences, challenges, and perceptions of care among kidney cancer patients in Nigeria.
Coordinated by IKCC and conducted every two years, the Global Patient Survey on kidney cancer collects data on diagnosis, treatment, communication, emotional well-being, and access to care. Thanks to MACA’s advocacy and local support, Nigerian patients have now joined this global conversation, helping to shape advocacy, policy, and improvements in cancer care worldwide.
Key Highlights
Survey Implementation in Nigeria
The survey was administered on-site at the National Hospital, Abuja, and Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, two leading tertiary health facilities in Nigeria. Kidney cancer patients attending follow-up visits and treatment appointments were invited to participate in the survey, alongside their caregivers.
Participants responded to questions covering:
- Their understanding of their diagnosis of kidney cancer
- Communication and trust with healthcare providers
- Access to treatment options
- Psychological and emotional support
- Challenges faced during the care journey
Why This Matters
Kidney cancer is relatively rare compared to other cancers, and awareness of it remains low across much of Sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, many patients face late diagnoses, limited treatment options, and a lack of psychosocial support. This survey offers a first look into these challenges from the perspective of Nigerian patients and highlights the urgent need for:
- Earlier diagnosis and awareness
- Stronger patient-provider communication
- Access to a wider range of treatment options
- Patient-centred care that considers emotional and social needs
By contributing to the Global Patient Survey on kidney cancer, Nigeria now has an evidence-based platform to inform national and regional advocacy efforts for kidney cancer response.
Conclusion
For MACA, this participation is an important step toward: documenting local experiences to influence national cancer policy, highlighting disparities in access to care and information, and building momentum for improved kidney cancer education and services. Findings from Nigeria’s involvement will also be shared with local stakeholders, health professionals, and policymakers to prompt action.
The inclusion of Nigerian patients in the Global Patient Survey on kidney cancer is more than a milestone; it is a moment of visibility, validation, and progress for those affected by kidney cancer in West Africa. With each step, we move closer to a healthcare system that listens, responds, and cares—one patient at a time.
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