The Nigerian Federal Government, in collaboration with Roche and Oncopadi Technologies, is set to roll out the Breast Cancer Access Navigation and Testing (BRANT) Programme. This initiative is designed to provide support and resources for breast cancer patients across the country.
The programme intends to enhance early detection and provide timely, accurate breast cancer diagnosis through free immunohistochemistry tests, multidisciplinary care, and navigation facilities to 5,000 patients diagnosed with breast cancer.
Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Nigeria, with over 32,000 cases reported annually. According to Roche, half of the women diagnosed with breast cancer do not survive beyond five years due to challenges such as inadequate awareness, financial constraints, and restricted access to testing and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria.
The BRANT Programme aims to address these obstacles by promoting early detection and delivering timely, accurate diagnosis for breast cancer. The initiative will provide 5,000 patients with free immunohistochemistry tests, multidisciplinary care, and navigation services to improve their treatment journeys.
Usman Aliyu, Director-General (DG) of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NiCRAT), emphasized the importance of early detection and timely intervention in changing the outcomes for patients. He said, “It is with this understanding that this collaboration has worked tirelessly to create a solution that brings patients, healthcare providers, and support networks together in one unified system. Moreover, the app bridges gaps in communication between patients and healthcare providers.” The DG added, “I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to our partners ONCOPADI and Roche, without whom this initiative would not have been possible”.
Omolola Salako, CEO of Oncopadi Technologies, pointed out the severity of the situation, noting, “This situation positions Nigeria as the country with the highest age-standardised breast cancer mortality rate in the world”. She shared projections estimating that over 32,000 new breast cancer cases will emerge in 2025. She noted the significant impact this will have, saying, “this means approximately 2,700 cases each month and 88 cases each day. For five seconds, I want you to imagine what it feels like for the 88 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer today. Now imagine, if you will, the mental, physical and financial barriers breast cancer raises,” she stated.
The programme, which will span 18 months, is also set to significantly reduce diagnostic timelines to under 60 days. Terseer Sar, Head of Access at Roche Products Limited, explained, “The BRANT program is designed with one clear goal in mind: to accelerate impact for patients particularly in the realm of healthcare. By providing services that remove the barriers to patients getting to point of care — free immunohistochemistry testing, MDTs, we aim to reduce financial barriers that may delay critical diagnoses.”
