By Abuja, Nigeria
As part of activities marking World Cancer Day 2026, the National Defence College (NDC) on Friday hosted a high-level cancer sensitization seminar tagged “United to Unique,” reinforcing its commitment to prevention, early detection and effective management of cancer.
The seminar which was held at NDC complex, Abuja, drew medical experts, policymakers and members of the NDC community to deliberate on the rising global burden of cancer and practical steps to curb its impact.
The Commandant of the NDC, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, while declaring the seminar open, underscored the importance of early detection, describing it as the most effective weapon in the fight against cancer. He added that prompt diagnosis not only saves lives but also reduces the financial strain on families and the healthcare system.
“Cancer is a global public health challenge. However, through early diagnosis and timely intervention, we can dramatically improve survival rates and outcomes for our personnel and the wider community,” he said.
In the keynote address,Delivering the keynote lecture, Consultant Family Physician at the NDC Medical Centre, Dr Isioma Lilian, presented an overview of the global cancer burden and outlined a three-tier prevention strategy.
She explained that primary prevention focuses on healthy lifestyles and vaccination, secondary prevention emphasizes routine screening for early diagnosis, while tertiary prevention targets early treatment and supportive care to improve quality of life.
The seminar also featured perspectives from alternative medicine. Engr. Ali Musa Audu advocated the integration of traditional therapies in managing certain ailments, including cancer, arguing that some alternative approaches may reduce side effects when properly applied.
