The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) recently hosted the 5th annual colorectal cancer workshop in Africa.

The event which took place between April 7-11, 2025, was titled: Raising Awareness. It was both hybrid and physical.

The workshop, according to the Acting Director, Clinical Services of NICRAT, Prof. Musa-Ali Gombe, highlighted the burden of colorectal cancer on the African continent.

He noted that: “With colorectal cancer being the second leading cause of cancer mortality globally, the workshop focused on structured awareness, screening, and multidisciplinary management practices.”

The workshop regretted the absence of national screening protocols in many African countries, leading to gaps in data and preventable deaths. The workshop also provided an opportunity for experts across various disciplines to share knowledge, showcase innovations, and foster collaborations in tackling colorectal cancer.

The 36 participants who attended the workshop were medical personnels drawn from the 6 geopolitical zones of Nigeria.