FG partners digital health companies to support 5,000 breast cancer patients

The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) in partnership with Roche, a multinational healthcare company; and Oncopadi Technologies, a digital healthcare provider; has unveiled the breast cancer access navigation and testing (BRANT) programme.

The initiative seeks to reshape breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria.

BRANT is a platform offering personalised care, expert consultations, diagnostic tests, treatment facilities, and support for patients throughout their breast cancer journey.

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Usman Aliyu, director-general of NICRAT, described BRANT as a significant step in the country’s efforts to enhance patient care and streamline support systems.

Represented by Waziri Usman, the director of cancer prevention and control, Aliyu said the programme would also empower individuals battling breast cancer, offering them better access to resources and guidance throughout their journey.

He said BRANT was designed to make navigating the complex landscape of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment easier by connecting patients, healthcare providers, support groups, NGOs, and civil society organisations into one unified system.

Usman added that breast cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly forms of cancer among Nigerian women, but with early detection, timely intervention, and leveraging technology, diagnosis and treatment outcomes can be greatly improved.

Also speaking at the event, Omolola Salako, CEO of Oncopadi, highlighted the shortage of oncologists in Nigeria, saying there are fewer than 95 oncologists nationwide.

She projected that more than 32,000 new breast cancer cases will be recorded in Nigeria in 2025, adding that it means approximately 2,700 cases would be detected each month and 88 cases each day.

She said technology is needed to bridge the gap, allowing oncologists to reach patients across the country.

“To this end, a strategic agreement was signed by Roche and Oncopadi in 2024 and we have worked tremendously hard to fulfil our shared vision, which is to support 5,000 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said.

“In partnership with Roche, Oncopadi is supporting 5,000 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

“The collaboration leverages Roche’s expertise in oncology diagnostics and Oncopadi’s digital oncology capabilities to launch BRANT.”

Ladi Hameed, general manager of Roche, spoke about the organisation’s commitment to addressing the growing burden of breast cancer through awareness, early detection, and access to treatment.

Hameed, who was represented by Bola Oyedeji, medical director, Roche Products Limited, said the BRANT programme is a transformative initiative.

“The BRANT programme, which includes free immuno-histochemistry testing and multidisciplinary teams, aims to remove financial barriers that delay diagnoses and treatment,” he said.