NICRAT, Roche, and Oncopadi unveiled the Breast Cancer Access Navigation and Testing (BRANT) application on Thursday in Abuja, aimed at reshaping breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria.

At the launch, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), described BRANT as a significant step in the country’s efforts to enhance patient care and streamline support systems.

He emphasised that the app would also empower individuals battling breast cancer, offering them better access to resources and guidance throughout their journey.

Represented by Dr Waziri Usman, the Director of Cancer Prevention and Control, Aliyu emphasised that breast cancer remained one of the most prevalent and deadly forms of cancer among Nigerian women.

He noted that early detection, timely intervention, and leveraging technology could greatly improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

BRANT, he explained, 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.

Dr Omolola Salako, CEO of Oncopadi, highlighted the shortage of oncologists in Nigeria, with fewer than 95 oncologists nationwide, particularly in rural areas.

She stressed the need for technology to bridge the gap, allowing oncologists to reach patients across the country.

“Oncopadi has already been mobilising cancer patients for online care and educational resources over the past seven years.

“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.”

Dr Ladi Hameed, General Manager of Roche Products Limited, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to address the growing burden of breast cancer through awareness, early detection, and access to treatment.

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

While the programme would run for the next 18 months, Hameed called for collective efforts to ensure its sustainability.

Mr Alexander Chimbaru, Deputy Country Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to Nigeria, lauded the initiative, calling it a valuable solution to reduce the burden of breast cancer.

He stressed the importance of taking action to ensure the programme’s success.

Dr Fatima Kyari, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), supported the initiative, urging the organisations to adhere to regulatory guidelines regarding specialist support, digital health tools, and patient information.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports BRANT is a user-friendly platform offering personalised care, expert consultations, diagnostic tests, treatment facilities, and support for patients throughout their breast cancer journey.

NAN

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