Project PINK BLUE – Health & Psychological Trust Centre has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria, state governments, hospital leadership, and key stakeholders in cancer care to implement patient navigation services across all cancer centres in the country.
This call comes as Project PINK BLUE concludes the Women Empowering Women – Breast Cancer Navigation & Technology Programme (WEW-BCNaP) Patient Navigation Training in Abuja, supported by AstraZeneca through the Powering Breast Cancer Progress.
The founder of the first patient navigation in Nigeria and executive director, Project PINK BLUE, Runcie C.W. Chidebe, explained that the goal of the programme was to phase-out late detection of breast cancer, improve timely access to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment by empowering breast cancer patients and retired nurses.
He said the World Health Organization (2024), Nigeria recorded 32,278 new breast cancer cases and 16,332 deaths in 2022 alone.
According to him, the burden is particularly severe as more younger women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Nigeria, adding that beyond the numbers, many women diagnosed with breast cancer in Nigeria are often left confused about what to do next.
He said from the point of diagnosis, patients frequently face multiple barriers including fear, stigma, poor understanding of medical information, financial barriers, and difficulty navigating the healthcare system.
“For many women, these barriers lead to delayed treatment, missed appointments, loss to follow-up, and in some cases complete abandonment of care.
“On this premise, patient navigation programme helps ensure that cancer patients are not left alone to figure out the healthcare system by themselves.
“Patient navigation provides structured support to help patients understand their diagnosis, access the right referrals, keep appointments, remain on treatment, and receive basic psychosocial and financial support throughout their cancer journey.
“Patient navigation was included in the National Cancer Control Plan (2026 – 2030), which is great, however, the federal and state governments and chief medical directors must now move beyond policy and urgently implement patient navigation across all cancer centres in Nigeria. No cancer patient should die because they were lost in the health system,” he said.
Also, SPBON, National Hospital Abuja, Joachin-Ani Ann Nnenna said the training has deepened my understanding of how critical patient navigation is in improving cancer care outcomes.
She said it has equipped me with practical tools to support patients beyond clinical treatment, especially in addressing barriers such as fear, poor understanding, and loss to follow-up.
She said the programme also integrates mobile technology and app-based support systems to strengthen patient follow-up, tracking, communication, and referrals.
Also, Project Manager, WEW-BcNaP, Project PINK BLUE, Deborah N. Ejemole said with technological advancements like the PINK BLUE App, weI truly believe patient navigation becomes easier, smarter, and more accessible.
“We see the PINK BLUE app as the Uber of oncology, a platform designed to connect patients seamlessly to the right care pathways, resources, and support systems.
“For many newly diagnosed patients, the biggest challenge is uncertainty: not knowing where to go, who to speak to, or what the next step should be. This app is designed to significantly reduce that uncertainty, improve continuity of care, and ensure that no patient feels lost in their cancer journey.
Breast Cancer Survivor, Cancer Life Coach, and Co-chair WEW-BCNaP Steering committee, Olushola Akapo said patient navigation is not just a healthcare intervention system or a role, also a lifeline built on presented, empathy, and human connection.
She said it is not only about what we do, but how we show up. “I am more grounded in the understanding that my presence, patience, and empathy can become a lifeline for someone navigating the fear and uncertainty of cancer”.
