Roundtable on Black in cancer research and oncology

The issue at hand is the lack of patient voices in research, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Nigeria. In these countries, people often do not believe that many individuals survive cancer because they rarely see cancer patients coming forward. This misconception is perpetuated by the images found when searching for cancer survivors in Africa on Google, which predominantly depict individuals who appear to be on the brink of death. However, these images only represent a specific phase of cancer survival, and it is crucial to promote a more comprehensive understanding.

To address this, in 2017, we established the Abuja Breast Cancer Support Group, which is the first of its kind in Abuja. The purpose of this group is to foster connections among men and women impacted by breast cancer, providing support and a platform for sharing stories. This initiative has been empowering for both men and women, as they learn from each other's experiences.

In 2019, the men within the support group began questioning why our focus was solely on breast cancer patients. They raised a valid point, highlighting the need to support women with prostate cancer as well. As a result, we expanded the group to include all individuals impacted by cancer in Nigeria, forming a network under one umbrella organization. This network serves as a platform for advocacy, care provision, and support for anyone affected by cancer, not just breast cancer.

This expansion has allowed us to become a national advocate for cancer patients, with over 200 individuals willing to uplift and be a voice for other cancer patients, particularly women. Our goal is to increase awareness and understanding of cancer survival, showcasing individuals like Gloria, AA, and countless other women who have successfully