Health

Is drinking cold water bad for you?

Published

12 months ago

September 13, 2025

Is drinking cold water bad for you?

Cold water is generally not bad for you and even has positive benefits for healthy individuals. It is popular as 79% of people in one survey stated they prefer to drink cold water, especially on hot days or after exercise for its feeling of refreshment. Several studies have suggested that it helps boost metabolism rates, assist weight loss, and helps boost low blood pressure.

Cold water does have downsides for those with certain medical conditions that should be taken into consideration. It can lead to weaker immunity for those who already have weaker immune systems and can exacerbate ‘cold stress’ for those in emergency situations struggling to keep their core body temperature up. It can narrow blood vessels, increasing risks for those who suffer from high blood pressure. In some health conditions such as achalasia and sensitivity of teeth, drinking cold water can cause sharp discomfort.

Despite the complications of drinking cold water, societal and cultural values, as well as personal preference, play a big part. Julie Metos who serves as Associate Dean at the College of Health of the University of Utah said that “cold water always tastes better to people.” Dr. Karel Talavera of KU Leuven in Belgium found that cold temperature masks bad tastes which may make drinking cold water more appealing at times.

What Are the Risks and Disadvantages of Drinking Cold Water?

The risks and disadvantages of drinking cold water include thickening of mucus causing respiratory difficulty, headaches, tooth sensitivity, slowing gastric emptying, aggravating achalasia (a rare disease making it difficult for food to pass from the esophagus to the stomach), and causing ‘cold stress’. These are generally rare effects, though tooth sensitivity and headaches are more common for those with related pre-existing conditions.

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The following research has confirmed risks of drinking cold water in certain circumstances.

Nasal mucus thickening. A 1978 study in the journal CHEST published by the American College of Chest Physicians found that nasal mucus thickened after drinking cold water and persisted for more than half an hour.
Headaches. A 2001 study by P. Mattson of the Department of Neuroscience at the University Hospital in Uppsala Sweden, found that 7.6% of women had a headache after drinking 150ml of ice-cold water.
Tooth sensitivity. US experts from the McCarl Dental Group in Maryland state that “ some patients report feeling a stabbing pain. Other people experience a dull, lingering discomfort after exposure to hot or cold beverages.”
Gastric motility. A 2020 study at Japan’s Graduate School of Sport Sciences at Waseda University found that consuming water at 2°C (35.6°F) after 10 minutes reduced gastric contractions to approximately 6 times every 3 minutes whereas those drinking 60°C (140°F) experienced just under 10 contractions every 3 minutes.
Achalasia (difficulty passing food from esophagus to stomach). Yutang Ren and colleagues at China’s Peking Union Medical College Hospital found that drinking cold water of 2°C (35.6°F) could exacerbate achalasia symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and chest pains.
Problems during heat exhaustion. Dr. David Schultz of Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Indiana says that drinking cold water during heat exhaustion can activate the vagus nerves (in the esophagus and stomach which control involuntary activity) resulting in a loss of consciousness.
Immune system weakening. According to Dr. Pallavi Suyog Uttekar, MD, a clinician in human physiology, drinking cold water can lead to ‘cold stress’ (the inability of the body to warm itself) which among other symptoms can cause narrowing of blood vessels in the throat. While this would likely only occur in extreme circumstances where the body is already struggling to warm itself, if it does occur it can reduce the body’s ability to remove viruses and bacteria, and reduce white blood cells temporarily.

Which Body Parts Can Be Affected by Cold Water?

Drinking cold water can affect the teeth, heart, blood pressure, throat and respiratory system, brain and nervous system, stomach and digestive system, and immune system.

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The following research has shown how these body parts are affected by drinking cold water.

Teeth. Dr. Robert H. DeWitt is a practicing dentist in the Washington Metropolitan Area who says that tooth sensitivity to cold water occurs due to pre-existing conditions from aggressive brushing, gum disease, excessive plaque, or cracked teeth which expose sensitive nerves by removing the tooth’s protective layer.
Heart. Research at the National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine in Taiwan found that drinking 250ml of ice water significantly lowered heart rates compared to room temperature water. Similarly, a study at Switzerland’s University of Fribourg Department of Medicine found that ingestion of cold water increased energy expenditure over 90 min by 2.9% and reduced the workload to the heart by approximately 4.8 beats per minute.
Blood pressure. A 2013 study from the Department of Cardiology at China’s Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University found that drinking 4°C (39.2°F) water led to a rise in blood pressure for an average of 22 minutes in healthy students. Satoshi Kubota of the School of Health Sciences at Japan’s International University of Health and Welfare found that drinking cold water constricts blood vessels, preventing blood from going to the extremities and raising blood pressure.
Throat and respiratory system. As per K Saketkhoo et al, drinking water can lead to thicker mucus resulting in respiratory distress
Throat and respiratory system. A 2012 study by the Chinese Academy of Medical Science found that drinking cold water caused difficulty swallowing, chest pain, achalasia, and other esophageal motility disorders.
Brain and nervous system. Dr. P. Mattson at the University Hospital in Uppsala Sweden found that drinking cold water can lead to sudden headaches. And Dr. David Schultz of Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Indiana warns that if one is suffering from heat exhaustion, ice-cold water can trigger a nervous system response that leads to loss of consciousness.
Stomach and digestive system. Studies have shown that it is possible for cold water to exacerbate the symptoms of achalasia and cause problems with swallowing, as well as exacerbate problems with moving food out of the stomach into the digestive tract. These are not common issues, but those already having problems with such symptoms may find them exacerbated.
Immune system. In extreme circumstances where a person is already subjected to very cold and wet conditions, drinking cold water can lead to ‘cold stress’ or the inability of the body to warm itself. This in turn can cause a reduction in the body’s immune responses and temporarily lower white blood cell counts.

Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Drink Cold Water?

Your teeth hurt when you drink cold water if they are already sensitive as a result of other dental problems that have left the nerves exposed. Experts at Crest, a Procter and Gamble company that specializes in dental products, explain that the loss of protective enamel on the teeth causes the canals that lead to nerves to be exposed. These canals are known as dentinal tubules, and when they move due to cold water, they touch the nerves resulting in a dull pain or stabbing feeling.

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Robert H. DeWitt, a dentist in Washington DC, says that tooth sensitivity occurs due to aggressive brushing, grinding teeth in your sleep, certain tooth-whitening toothpastes which have abrasive chemicals, gum disease, build-up of bacterial plaque, cracked teeth, or the decay of old fillings. Bacteria in the mouth generates acid and over time breaks down the protective enamel coating of teeth, resulting in sensitivity. Cold water then triggers the nerves and causes pain.

What Are the Benefits of Drinking Cold Water?

The benefits of drinking cold water include a better metabolism rate, boosted weight loss, improved hydration for exercise, and increased alertness. The following research and expert guidance illustrates these points.

Increased metabolism. A 2003 study by Dr. Michael Boschmann and colleagues at Humboldt-University in Berlin found that drinking water at 22°C (71°F) created 30kJ greater energy expenditure than water ingested at 37°C (98.6°F). This is likely because the body had to work harder to warm the water to body temperature, which boosts metabolism. This effect would presumably be greater at colder water temperatures, though the magnitude of the effect is debated with research from a University of Washington paper finding that only eight additional calories will be burnt per cup of cold water.
Boosted weight loss. G Dubnov-Raz and colleagues from the Exercise, Nutrition and Lifestyle Clinic at The Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital found that in overweight children, drinking 10 ml/kg of body weight of cold water (4°C/39.2°F) increased resting energy expenditure by 25% for over 40 minutes. Daily consumption of this recommended amount of water for children could result in an energy expenditure equivalent to a weight loss of an additional 1.2 kg per year.
Improved hydration for exercise. In a 2011 paper published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, Saeed Khamnei of the Islamic Azad University in Tabriz, Iran found that cool 16°C (60.8°F) water is optimum for exercising in the heat and maintaining a low core temperature. A similar study in 2013 in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine found the same temperature optimized hydration during exercise by minimizing sweating. And a 2012 study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that drinking cold water significantly delayed increases in body temperature during exercise such that performance in broad jump and time to exhaustion tests improved by approximately 50%.
Increased alertness. According to the Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy based in Arizona, cold water helps your body’s adrenaline production making you feel alert without the side effects that caffeinated beverages have. This is also among the benefits of drinking water generally as a part of improved cognitive function.

Does Drinking Cold Water Help You Lose Weight?

Drinking cold water does help you lose weight because it increases your metabolism, helps you feel more satiated, and improves performance during exercise by keeping your core body temperature down and minimizing sweating.

When asking “does drinking cold water burn calories?”, we can point to the 2003 study at Humboldt-University in Berlin which found that drinking lower temperature water led to a greater expenditure of energy and a better metabolism rate. This is likely because the body had to work harder to warm the water to body temperature, thus increasing calorie burn. The magnitude of calories burned is debated, ranging from a mere eight calories per glass of cold water (i.e., almost no impact for weight loss), up to a sufficient effect to lose as much as 1.2 kg per year.

Drinking water helps you feel satiated such that you reduce your calorie intake. Professor Brenda M. Davy and colleagues at the Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Exercise at Virginia Tech university found that drinking 0.5 liters of water 30 minutes before breakfast made participants feel more full and reduced calories consumed during breakfast by 13%. The plot below shows the change in meal size for each of the participants in the Virginia Tech study after ingesting water.

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With regards to improvements in exercise performance from drinking cold water, studies in 2011 and 2013 published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine and the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, respectively, showed that cool 16°C (60.8°F) water is optimum for exercise in the heat and maximizes rehydration while minimizing sweat loss. They argue that cooler water acts as a heat sink to reduce core temperature.

Research by the Heat Research Division of the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine found that cool water at 15°C (59°F) during exercise creates a cyclical drinking pattern, so people tend to hydrate effectively which may result in an improved weight loss regimen.

Is Drinking Cold Water Good for High Blood Pressure?

No, drinking cold water is not good for high blood pressure. Research on the effect of cold water on blood pressure is limited, but studies suggest that it leads to a rise in blood pressure by constricting blood vessels.

Satoshi Kubota et al. of the School of Health Sciences at Japan’s International University of Health and Welfare found that drinking cold water constricts blood vessels, which prevents blood from going to the extremities and raises blood pressure. This induces a transient but significant increase in blood pressure as was seen in a 2013 study by Jianyong Ma et al., from the Department of Cardiology at China’s Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. They found that drinking 300ml of 4°C (39.2°F) water led to a rise of 3 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure (the denominator reading) for 22 minutes in healthy students.

Diastolic blood pressure is associated with the risk of cardiac events such as heart disease. This diagram shows the increase in blood pressure that occurred after drinking cold and hot water.

According to a 2010 article in the Journal Hypertension, the Red Cross actually suggests people who have donated blood drink water to raise blood pressure in order to prevent fainting. In the original 2007 study by Bruce Newman et al. of the American Red Cross Blood Services, it is suggested that cold or room temperature water would have an equivalent effect in raising the blood pressure of low blood pressure patients.

Who Should Drink Cold Water?

The people who should drink cold water include athletes, overweight children, people with multiple sclerosis, and hypotension (low blood pressure) patients. Or any healthy person who just enjoys cold, refreshing hydration.

Brooke Schantz, RD who works in sports nutrition says that exercising leads to a rise in body temperature which causes fatigue. Drinking cold water reduces the body’s core temperature, allowing performance to be improved. Experts from the US Army, Université des Antilles et de la Guyane, Islamic Azad University, and Performance Nutrition in Phoenix, Arizona all have stated that cold water ranging from slush at -1°C to slightly chilled at 16°C is beneficial during exercise, though the optimum temperature is debated.

For overweight children, cold water can create extra energy expenditure in the body to warm it up which may be sufficient for up to 1.2 kg of weight loss per year according to G Dubnov-Raz and colleagues from The Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital.

This is further supported by a 2003 study on water-induced thermogenesis conducted by researchers at the Medical Faculty of the Charité of Humboldt-University. The study found that drinking water increased metabolic energy expenditure for up to 40 minutes afterward and that this effect was greater if the water was cooler than body temperature. The changes in energy expenditure produced by water intake at each temperature are plotted below for each participant in this study.

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Georgia K Chaseling and colleagues at the Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, found evidence that cold water ingestion improved exercise tolerance of patients with multiple sclerosis.

Finally, the Red Cross suggests drinking water to raise blood pressure among people who have donated blood to prevent fainting and in hypotensive patients (low blood pressure). This is because it restricts blood vessels and hence leads to an increase in blood pressure.

While it is generally not a problem, for those who wish to be extra careful it may be best to say that babies and the elderly should not drink cold water. This is because their immune systems are weaker and more susceptible to ‘cold stress’ (where the body cannot maintain warmth).

According to India’s Pallavi Suyog Uttekar MD, a board-certified clinician in human physiology, drinking cold water can lead to narrowing of blood vessels in the throat, reduction in the body’s ability to remove viruses and bacteria, and lower the white blood cells temporarily. Drinking cold water is linked with the onset of colds and flu among the babies and elderly. Drinking cold water should be avoided in the case of specific health conditions such as dental sensitivity or achalasia.

How Much Cold Water Should You Drink in a Day?

The amount of cold water you should drink a day is whatever portion of your total daily drinking needs that are not met by water of other temperatures. Total baseline water needs are approximately 3.7 liters per day for men and 2.7 liters per day for women according to a study conducted by the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Recommended water intake for children and young teenagers is lower than for adults, as shown in the chart below, which indicates these amounts in terms of standard beverage cans (330 ml) per day. If you are healthy and not in a place that is very cold, you can drink the entire amount as cold water.

That said, with limited scientific research on the specific topic of how much cold water to drink per day, there are widespread estimates and no strong conclusions. Estimates vary according to the metabolic, dietary, and genetic characteristics of different populations

If one is exercising, water needs are greater and drinking more cold water is advantageous to cool the body down, encourage hydration via feelings of post-exercise refreshment, and reduce sweat. When asking how much water should I drink a day when exercising, a 2013 study in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine is helpful. The study found that 6.4 ml of water per kg of body weight taken at a cool 16°C (60.8°F) was optimal for hydration. For a typical 90 kg man, this implies an additional 0.6 liters after exercising on top of the recommended 3.7 liters per day.

As a daily drinking habit, cold water should be avoided by those with weaker immunity such as babies and the elderly, or certain health conditions such as achalasia, sensitive teeth, and high blood pressure.

Which One Is the Best for the Body, Cold Water or Warm Water?

Neither cold water or warm water is inherently best for the body, but each has advantages and disadvantages depending on the context. Both cold water and warm water have been recommended by medical practitioners in different situations, and with no great difference in hydration benefits for most healthy people, personal preference sufficient to induce proper daily water intake is generally the largest factor.

That said, the benefits and disadvantages of cold versus warm or hot water is summarized as follows. Note that both the negatives and positives of one temperature over the other are largely effects that happen at the extremes, and the choice of temperature for healthy people is generally a non-issue beyond personal preference.

Negatives of warm or hot water. Studies have shown that drinking warm water can lead to inadvertent dehydration by discouraging drinking of sufficient water. This is particularly dangerous during hot weather or vigorous exercise. This is partly cultural as people in many east Asian countries prefer drinking hot water.
Positives of warm or hot water. Charles Patrick Davis, MD, Ph.D., a Clinical Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center advises drinking warm water with lemon to protect against kidney stones. Other medical professionals recommend it as helpful against achalasia and say it may help in digestion, circulation, and in the removal of body toxins.
Negatives of cold water. Drinking cold water may weaken the immune system, especially for babies and the elderly. It can cause pain and discomfort for those with achalasia and sensitive teeth. It can exacerbate ‘cold stress’ for those in situations struggling to keep their core body temperature up. And During heat exhaustion, cold water can activate the vagus nerves (in the esophagus and stomach which control involuntary activity) leading to loss of consciousness.
Positives of cold water. Drinking cold water maintains hydration during working out and improves human performance during exercise. It reduces pressure on the heart and is helpful in improving the workout efficiency of patients with multiple sclerosis. According to the Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy based in Arizona, cold water helps your body’s adrenaline production which makes you feel alert without the side effects of caffeinated beverages. It can improve blood pressure in hypotensive patients.

Source: svalbardi.com

Is drinking cold water bad for you?

Health

FG strengthens emergency response, releases medical hotlines for Nigerians

Published

4 days ago

August 20, 2026

Trends Admin

FG strengthens emergency response, releases medical hotlines for Nigerians

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to dial 112 whenever they face a medical emergency requiring urgent attention, as it released a list of emergency medical call centre numbers covering states across the country and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) said the toll-free 112 emergency number serves as a central access point for emergency medical assistance, while several states have additional dedicated numbers to facilitate faster responses.

NEMSAS said its emergency response system is designed to provide rapid intervention, professional medical care and life-saving services, with emergency responders available around the clock.

The agency released emergency contact numbers covering 35 states and the FCT, although it listed the emergency call centres in Benue and Imo as not operational.

Under the emergency contact arrangements, residents of Abia can call 112 or 08000000800, while those in Adamawa can use 112, 1755 or 07011111443.

In Akwa Ibom, the listed numbers are 112, 08000022322 and 08000022422, while residents of Anambra can call 112, 5111 or 08002200008.

Residents of Bauchi can dial 112 or 07038636433, while Bayelsa residents can use 112 or 08002200223. NEMSAS listed Borno as 112 or 08000000033, while Cross River has 112 as its listed emergency number.

For Delta, the listed contacts are 112, 07041008130 and 07041008131, while residents of Ebonyi can call 112, 08086446891 or 08086445736.

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In Edo, residents can use 112, 739 or 09037999871, while Ekiti lists 112, 08000606606, 0811111122, 0811111133, 0811111144 and 0811111155.

Residents of Enugu can call 112, 09074996090 or 07066466429, while Gombe lists 112 or 07033825646. Jigawa has 112 as its listed emergency number, while Kaduna residents can call 112 or 08064111599.

For Kano, the listed emergency contacts are 112, 09019999920 and 09049999914. Katsina and Kebbi each have 112 listed as their emergency number.

Residents of Kogi can dial 112, while Kwara residents can call 112, 09062010001 or 09062010002.

In Lagos, the listed emergency numbers are 112 and 767, while Nasarawa residents can use 112 or 08144911269.

Residents of Niger State can call 112, 08022422953 or 08155577513, while those in Osun can use 112, 08111110532 or 08111110561.

For Ogun, the listed numbers are 112 and 08112000033, while Ondo residents can call 112 or 08055300300.

Residents of Oyo can dial 112 or 615, while Plateau lists 112 or 09136982496.

In Rivers, residents can call 112, 09040222281, 09040222283 or 09040222285, while Sokoto residents can use 112, 07045963318 or 07071765080.

For Taraba, the listed emergency contacts are 112, 07041122777 and 07041100777, while Yobe residents can call 112, 09169981792 or 08000090009.

Zamfara has 112 as its listed emergency number, while residents of the FCT can call 112, 09157892931 or 09157892932.

The release is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen emergency medical services in Nigeria, improve ambulance response and reduce delays in transporting patients to appropriate healthcare facilities.

NEMSAS has previously disclosed that emergency medical service structures have been established across the 36 states and the FCT, although the level of operational readiness differs from one state to another.

The agency has also identified challenges affecting the nationwide use of 112, including connectivity problems and inadequate public awareness. It has called for stronger collaboration with telecommunications providers to improve access to the emergency line.

To complement the national number, NEMSAS has therefore encouraged states to maintain dedicated emergency call centres and provide alternative contacts for residents.

The Federal Government is also pursuing a digital emergency dispatch platform designed to connect emergency callers, ambulance operators and healthcare facilities. The system is expected to support faster dispatch, patient tracking, referrals and coordination between emergency responders and treatment centres.

NEMSAS has expanded the deployment of emergency response assets, including ambulances and other vehicles designed to reach communities that may be difficult to access with conventional emergency vehicles.

The agency’s Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) programme is also aimed at improving access to emergency transportation for pregnant women, newborns and other residents in underserved communities.

NEMSAS has called for greater public awareness of emergency services and urged Nigerians not to delay seeking help when confronted with life-threatening situations.

The agency advised residents to save 112 and their relevant state emergency numbers on their mobile phones so they can quickly request assistance when needed.

NEMSAS stressed that its emergency medical response service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and that prompt access to professional emergency care can be critical in saving lives.

FG strengthens emergency response, releases medical hotlines for Nigerians

Health

Stage 4 Cancer: Understanding Ogogo’s Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Published

6 days ago

August 18, 2026

Trends Admin

Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo

Stage 4 Cancer: Understanding Ogogo’s Diagnosis and Treatment Options

The recent emotional appeals by the daughters of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, have drawn national attention to the realities of stage-four cancer. The 66-year-old film icon’s family revealed he was diagnosed with the advanced disease about three weeks ago and that hospitals have indicated they can no longer continue chemotherapy. This has sparked confusion and concern, prompting a medical expert to clarify what a stage-four diagnosis truly means, how it is treated, and why palliative care is not the same as being abandoned.

Stage-four cancer is the most advanced stage in the commonly used TNM staging system. It generally means the cancer has spread from where it first developed to distant parts of the body—a process known as metastasis. Dr. Olusina Ajidahun, a medical doctor and health communicator known as The Bearded Dr Sina on X, explained it simply: “Stage 4 cancer means the cancer has left the primary organ and gone to other sites.” Cancer staging uses the TNM system to assess the size and extent of the main tumor, whether nearby lymph nodes are affected, and whether the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. The stage given at diagnosis remains the same, even if the cancer worsens or spreads further.

Symptoms of cancer vary depending on the type and location of the disease. According to medical experts, possible symptoms include unexplained weight loss, persistent tiredness, unusual bleeding, persistent pain, a lump or swelling anywhere on the body, changes in bowel or bladder habits, persistent cough or hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and changes to the skin. For metastatic cancer, symptoms depend on where the cancer has spread. Spread to the bones can cause pain or fractures, spread to the brain can cause headaches, seizures, or dizziness, spread to the lungs can cause shortness of breath, and spread to the liver can cause jaundice or abdominal swelling. It is important to note that many of these symptoms can be caused by other illnesses, and a persistent or unusual symptom should always be assessed by a healthcare professional rather than self-diagnosed. Some cancers may cause few or no noticeable symptoms in their early stages, which is why regular screenings are recommended for certain cancers and groups of people. Early diagnosis can significantly improve the chances that cancer will respond to treatment.

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Yes, stage-four cancer can be treated. Treatment depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, where it has spread, the characteristics of the cancer, the patient’s general health, and how the cancer responds to treatment. Depending on the circumstances, doctors may use chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. In October 2025, Nigeria launched its first immunotherapy program for metastatic colorectal cancer at National Hospital Abuja, marking a significant step forward in advanced cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa. For many patients with metastatic cancer, the goals of treatment shift to shrinking or controlling the cancer, slowing its growth, relieving symptoms, helping the patient live longer, and maintaining quality of life. Research shows advancements in treatment options are helping people with metastatic cancer live longer and have a better quality of life overall.

Dr. Ajidahun clarified that when patients reach stage four and chemotherapy and other available therapies have been explored, doctors may recommend palliative care. “When patients have stage 4 cancer and chemo and/or other therapies have been explored, there is a form of care called PALLIATIVE CARE… which is end-of-life care and care for terminal diseases because at the point of the disease you cannot treat it, but you can manage associated symptoms and give the person a good quality of life before death,” he explained. He stressed that moving a patient to palliative care does not mean medical treatment has been withdrawn. Rather, it may reflect a change in the goal of care, particularly when doctors believe further aggressive treatment could cause more harm than benefit. Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life, managing symptoms such as pain, difficulty breathing, and other problems associated with cancer or its treatment. It does not necessarily mean that cancer treatment has stopped or that doctors have given up on the patient.

Dr. Ajidahun cautioned that describing the situation as hospitals refusing to treat the actor could create a misleading impression and potentially expose medical personnel to hostility. “Saying they don’t want to treat my father makes it look like they are intentionally rejecting him, and in the context of recent happenings in the health sector, it can trigger an insurrection and put a bad label on health care workers,” he said. In response to one of Ogogo’s daughters mentioning herbs as a possible option, Dr. Ajidahun issued a strong warning: “There are no herbs that will treat a stage 4 cancer.” He cautioned that unverified concoctions could damage more organs and cause further complications, ultimately wasting money and creating more problems. “These concoctions will end up damaging more organs and causing more complications. You’d end up wasting money and causing more problems,” he said.

Public information about Ogogo’s health remains limited. His daughters have publicly said that he is battling stage-four cancer and have appealed for medical assistance. According to reports, several hospitals have turned their father away because of his condition, and the family is seeking medical direction rather than financial donations. The public reports do not establish the specific type of cancer Ogogo has, the extent to which it may have spread, or his detailed medical prognosis. Those questions can only be properly assessed by his medical team after reviewing his diagnosis, scans, pathology results, treatment history, and overall health. Key takeaways from this explanation are that stage-four cancer means the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, treatment is still possible and may aim to control the cancer, relieve symptoms, and prolong life, palliative care focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life and is not abandonment, herbal remedies for stage-four cancer are dangerous and unproven, and Ogogo’s specific prognosis cannot be determined from public information alone.

Stage 4 Cancer: Understanding Ogogo’s Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Health

Tinubu approves 25 new cancer treatment machines, FG begins wider cancer-care expansion

Published

2 weeks ago

August 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Tinubu approves 25 new cancer treatment machines, FG begins wider cancer-care expansion

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the procurement of 25 additional linear accelerators between 2027 and 2029 as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to expand cancer treatment capacity and strengthen cancer control in Nigeria.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting of the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) Technical Working Group and Global Advisory Council.

Salako said the approval was part of a three-year plan to increase access to radiotherapy and other specialised cancer services across the country.

“Recently, President Bola Tinubu approved that between 2027 and 2029, the country should procure an additional 25 linear accelerators. We are executing a three-year plan to achieve this,” the minister said.

Linear accelerators, commonly known as LINACs, are machines used in radiotherapy to deliver high-energy radiation to cancer cells while limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Their availability is critical to the treatment of many cancer patients requiring radiation therapy.

The planned procurement comes under the Federal Government’s National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030, which seeks to reduce cancer incidence, illness and deaths while improving access to prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care.

Salako said Nigeria continued to face a significant cancer burden, with many patients presenting at health facilities when their diseases had already reached advanced stages.

He identified inadequate infrastructure, shortages of skilled healthcare workers and limited funding among the challenges affecting cancer treatment and care in the country.

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The minister said the government was therefore pursuing a comprehensive cancer-control strategy that places equal emphasis on prevention, early detection, treatment, research, workforce development and partnerships.

Prevention, he said, remains a major priority of the administration.

Salako noted that President Tinubu had approved the inclusion of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in Nigeria’s routine immunisation programme.

“The President particularly continues to emphasise prioritising prevention. That is why one of the very first things he did was to approve that routinely, HPV vaccination should be part of our immunisation schedule,” he said.

HPV vaccination is an important public-health intervention because persistent infection with certain HPV types can cause cervical cancer and other cancers.

Salako added that the Federal Government was also working to strengthen hepatitis vaccination, expand cervical cancer screening and integrate screening services into primary healthcare facilities across the country.

“Prevention is better and cheaper than cure,” he said.

Beyond prevention, the government is also expanding specialised treatment infrastructure.

Salako disclosed that construction of six Cancer Centres of Excellence had commenced, with three already completed and work progressing on the remaining centres.

The centres are expected to improve access to specialised oncology services across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and reduce the pressure on existing cancer-treatment facilities.

The minister also inaugurated the Blood Cancer Consortium following the donation of equipment and other resources aimed at strengthening pathology laboratories and improving the diagnosis and management of blood cancers.

The President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, commended the Federal Government for adopting a more coordinated approach to tackling cancer.

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Omonisi identified fragmented interventions among government agencies, development partners, researchers and other stakeholders as one of the challenges that had affected previous cancer-control efforts.

He said the NCCP Technical Working Group was helping to address the problem by bringing together government institutions, researchers, clinicians, development partners, cancer organisations, patients and other stakeholders under a common national framework.

According to him, stronger international partnerships and greater engagement with Nigerians in the diaspora could improve cancer research, technology transfer, workforce development and access to advanced cancer-care services.

Earlier, the Chair of the NCCP Technical Working Group, Prof. Folakemi Odedina, said the group had moved from planning to implementation.

She said the initiative had united government institutions, academics, patients, advocates, survivors, industry players and international partners around a common national cancer-control agenda.

Odedina said work was progressing across several areas, including cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, survivorship, palliative care, research, clinical trials, workforce development and digital health.

She added that the Global Advisory Council was providing expertise in cancer prevention and treatment, genomics, implementation science, workforce development, data management and artificial intelligence.

Odedina said efforts were also underway to strengthen Nigeria’s oncology clinical trials ecosystem and improve patients’ access to innovative treatment options.

“We intend to produce trained people, stronger institutions in Nigeria, better research, expanded clinical trials, improved technologies, greater access to care, and ultimately better outcomes for Nigerian cancer patients,” she said.

She, however, stressed that expanding medical treatment alone would not guarantee better outcomes if patients could not afford other costs associated with cancer care.

According to her, patients may also require support for transportation, nutrition and accommodation during treatment, particularly when specialised services are unavailable close to their communities.

Also speaking, Prof. Taofeek Owonikoko, Global Advisory Council Director at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Centre, said the partnership would strengthen coordination between Nigerian institutions and international cancer organisations.

He said the framework would help ensure that international interventions were aligned with Nigeria’s national priorities rather than operating independently.

Owonikoko described the ambition of achieving a cancer-free Nigeria by 2030 as a long-term goal that would require sustained investment in healthcare systems, research, infrastructure and treatment strategies.

“I’m very convinced that the 2030 cancer-free Nigeria is not going to be a slogan.

“While we may not make Nigeria cancer-free in 2030, I think we would have created the tools, the platform and the strategies that will ensure that we eventually become cancer-free,” he said.

Dr Lewis Roberts of Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Centre called for increased attention to liver, pancreatic and biliary tract cancers across Africa.

“Liver cancer is one of the major causes of cancer deaths in Africa. Across the continent, it’s the number three cause of death from cancer,” Roberts said.

He advocated stronger screening programmes, improved identification and treatment of viral hepatitis cases and wider vaccination coverage to reduce the incidence of liver cancer.

The Federal Government’s broader cancer strategy also places emphasis on research, cancer surveillance, data collection, digital health and the development of a specialised workforce capable of providing modern oncology services.

The NCCP 2026–2030 is designed to bring together federal and state governments, healthcare professionals, researchers, patients, survivors, civil society organisations, development partners and international institutions in a coordinated national response to cancer.

The government’s planned procurement of 25 additional linear accelerators, construction of six Cancer Centres of Excellence, expansion of screening programmes and strengthening of pathology and research facilities are therefore part of a wider attempt to improve Nigeria’s cancer-care system.

However, stakeholders say sustained funding, reliable infrastructure, adequate staffing and affordable access to treatment will remain essential if the new investments are to translate into better outcomes for people living with cancer.

The meeting reviewed progress under the National Cancer Control Plan and examined further strategies for strengthening coordinated action on cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, research and survivorship care across Nigeria.