Going by the prediction of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the World Cancer Day on February 4, 2013 about 84 million people may die of the disease by this year.

The National Cancer Prevention Programme (NCPP) said that no fewer than 80,000 Nigerians die from various forms of cancer annually, with an estimated 10 people dying from cancer every hour.

Some prominent Nigerians who have died of the non-communicable disease include politicians, celebrities and others.

Former President, Alhaji Umaru Yar'Adua fell victim of the disease in May 2010 after years of battling that kept him away from his constitutional duties as first governor of Kastina State and then President.

Second Republic Senate Leader, Dr. Olusola Saraki, also died of cancer as confirmed by his youngest son, Olaolu, who admitted that the political giant of Kwara politics "had been battling with cancer for about five years" before he breath his last on November 14, 2012.

Maryam Babangida, wife of former military President Ibrahim Babangida also had her life cut short by the dreaded disease on December 27, 2009. She had to leave behind her pet project - Better Life Programme for Rural Women - which launched many co-operatives, cottage industries, farms and gardens, shops and markets, women's centres and social welfare programmes.

The doggedness with which renowned activist and social crusader, Chief Gani Fawehinmi fought successive and oppressive military dictators was not enough to survive the monster called cancer.

He lost the battle to lung cancer on September 5, 2009.

For two years, ace broadcaster, Yinka Craig, who made his name with Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) battled to stay alive until September 23, 2008 when he died at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States (U.S.). He received treatment for cancer of the immune system.

Yusuf Jibo, former Zonal Director of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), also died of colon cancer on December, 2010.

For Sonny Okosun, one of Nigeria's great musicians, the music stopped playing when he died on May 24, 2008 at 61 in the U.S. after a prolonged battle with cancer. He had gone to seek medical advice on his deteriorating health.

Clara, the wife of labour leader turned governor, Adam Oshiomole was also said to have died of cancer on December 8, 2010, eleven days to her daughter's wedding.

This story was first published in The Nation of February 14, 2013.