25% Of People Will Develop Cancer In Their Lifetime – Expert

The Director of the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center and Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Prof. Kunle Odunsi, has raised concerns over the rising global burden of cancer, revealing that one in four people will develop the disease in their lifetime.

Prof. Odunsi made this known in Abuja during the public lecture, induction of new Fellows, and official opening of the NAS–T.Y. Danjuma Science Museum and Library, organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS).

The renowned oncologist, who is also the AbbVie Foundation Distinguished Service Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Chicago, said cancer remains preventable, but early detection and improved access to modern treatment are key to reducing deaths.

“Statistics show that about one in four people will develop cancer in their lifetime. The older one gets, the higher the chances. Most cancers occur in older people, but we are now seeing more cases among young people. This is where genetics becomes important so we can identify those at risk and monitor them closely,” he said.

Delivering a lecture titled “Redefining Cancer Care in the Era of Immunotherapy and Precision Oncology: Implications for Prevention, Treatment, and Policy in Nigeria”, Odunsi highlighted the urgent need for Nigeria to expand its cancer infrastructure and integrate modern therapies into care.

He noted that while prevention is the strongest defence, standard treatments remain unaffordable for many Nigerians, with only about 10 radiation therapy centres available nationwide — a figure he described as grossly inadequate for the country’s population.

“There are standard treatment options, but they are very expensive and difficult for many patients to access. We need to develop infrastructure and ensure that chemotherapy and other standard drugs are available. More importantly, new precision drugs based on a patient’s genetic profile are emerging, and Nigeria should not be left behind,” he said.

On screening, Odunsi stressed the importance of age-appropriate tests such as colonoscopies from age 50, annual mammograms from age 40–45, pap smears for cervical cancer, and prostate cancer screening for men.

“If we do these things consistently, we can prevent cancer from spreading and improve the chances of cure,” he added.

Also, speaking at the event, President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Prof. Abubakar Sambo, announced that the newly commissioned NAS–T.Y. Danjuma Museum and Library is now open to the public. He said efforts were ongoing to expand its collection of scientific and historical exhibits.

“What we have is a very good starting point, but it will continue to grow,” he said.

Sambo also charged newly inducted Fellows of the Academy to uphold its mission of promoting scientific excellence and driving the adoption of science and technology in Nigeria’s development agenda.

The new Fellows inducted include Prof. Omotayo Arotiba, Prof. Festus Okoye, Prof. Olufunmilayo Fawole, Prof. Kemi Amodu, Prof. Meka Oguzie, Prof. Martins Emeje, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar, and Muktar Aliyu.