Challenges and Strategic Responses to Head and Neck Cancer Care in Nigeria, West African Subregion: A Narrative Review

Abstract Introduction: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is an increasing public health problem in Nigeria and West Africa, where late presentation, poor diagnostic capacity and health system weaknesses contribute to poor outcomes. Materials and Methods: This review synthesises current evidence on the burden of HNC in Nigeria, focussing on epidemiology, barriers to early diagnosis, available diagnostic and therapeutic infrastructure, workforce capacity, preventive strategies and policy gaps. Results: Over 70% of patients present at advanced stages (III/IV), resulting in high mortality. Barriers to early detection include low awareness, stigma, misdiagnosis and inadequate infrastructure, with limited access to advanced imaging, immunohistochemistry and molecular diagnostics. Nigeria has only one positron emission tomography-computed tomography scanner, and radiotherapy services are concentrated in a few urban centres, many of which are often non-functional. Treatment is further hindered by the lack of HNC-specific guidelines, weak multidisciplinary team structures, shortage of trained specialists and high out-of-pocket costs. Preventive measures such as tobacco control and human papillomavirus vaccination remain underutilised, and follow-up systems are poorly developed, leading to frequent recurrences and poor survival. Conclusion: Addressing this burden requires public education, early detection strategies, equitable distribution of diagnostic and treatment infrastructure, improved training of oncology professionals, better health insurance coverage and stronger policy support to shift HNC from a silent killer to a preventable and treatable disease in Nigeria.