The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • Only seven states implemented over 80% of their health budgets in 2024

    Only seven states implemented over 80% of their health budgets in 2024

    • BudgIT warns of widening health funding gaps

    Nigeria’s health sector continues to reflect the broader fiscal and governance challenges facing the country. While state governments publicly commit to improving healthcare access and strengthening primary care, actual spending patterns reveal a persistent gap between policy promises and real investments. This gap — between budgeted allocations and delivered outcomes — is the central focus of the BudgIT 2025 State of States Report, launched in Abuja under the theme, “A Decade of Subnational Fiscal Analysis.”

    The new report shows a stark reality: in 2024, Nigerian states collectively budgeted N1.32 trillion for health. Yet only N816.64 billion was actually spent — meaning just 61.9% of planned health spending was implemented. In a country where preventable diseases, maternal deaths, and avoidable emergency complications remain common, the consequences of such underinvestment are not abstract — they are immediate, measurable, and deeply felt.

    Only seven states implemented more than 80 per cent of their health budgets: Yobe, Gombe, Ekiti, Lagos, Edo, Delta, and Bauchi. Yobe ranked highest with a 98.2 per cent budget execution rate, though the total amount spent (N13.24 billion) still placed it only 24th among the states in absolute expenditure size. This underscores an important nuance: high implementation does not necessarily mean high investment, and small health budgets executed fully may still fall short of meeting citizens’ needs.

    A second layer of concern emerges when the data is viewed through the lens of population size. On average, Nigerian states spent just N3,483 per person on health in 2024. No state exceeded N10,000 per capita, and only seven states — Lagos, Bayelsa, Edo, Abia, Kwara, Niger, and Delta — crossed the threshold of N5,000 per person. In a country where inflation is rising and medical costs continue to surge, these figures signal systemic underfunding.

    Speaking at the launch, Oluseun Onigbinde, Global Director of BudgIT, warned that while state revenues have surged — especially due to increased FAAC allocations — the additional inflows have not translated into improved investment in essential services like healthcare. He described the report as “a mirror reflecting the choices our state governments make.”

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    According to Onigbinde, the issue is not merely the size of state revenues but how those revenues are spent. Many states still prioritise administration, political appointments, travel, and short-term visible projects over long-term investments like health systems, primary care infrastructure, and preventive medicine. “The State of States is not BudgIT’s report alone; it is a call to action,” he said. “States must channel revenue gains into sectors that directly improve citizens’ well-being.”

    This perspective was echoed by Dr. Uche Amaonwu, Nigeria Country Director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, who stressed that fiscal transparency is only meaningful when it leads to real improvements in service delivery. He highlighted tools like BudgIT’s Primary Health Care Accountability Tracker, which enable citizens and policymakers to monitor whether budgeted funds translate into functioning health facilities and essential supplies. Amaonwu noted that one of the challenges in Nigeria’s health financing landscape is the disconnect between money allocated and actual service quality. In many states, primary health centres exist on paper but struggle with staff shortages, inconsistent drug supply, or inadequate equipment. When funds are not released or are diverted, the gaps widen. “Fiscal health is human health,” Amaonwu said. “Governance, when transparent and accountable, is the bridge that connects both.”

    Further analysis from Mr. Taiwo Oyedele reinforced the systemic trends. Although total state revenues more than doubled from N5.4 trillion in 2023 to N11.4 trillion in 2024, 21 states still rely on FAAC allocations for at least 70percent of their income, indicating ongoing structural dependence on the federal purse. This dependence, he argued, weakens incentives for strategic planning and sustainable growth. Oyedele highlighted that while some states are improving in fiscal discipline, actual spending patterns reveal a bias toward recurrent expenditures, such as salaries and overheads, at the expense of capital spending that builds hospitals, trains personnel, and expands diagnostic capacity. In health, recurrent spending is necessary, but without sustained capital investment, facilities deteriorate and services stagnate.

    The BudgIT report categorises states into growth, middling, and declining performance tiers, reflecting how well states translate their resources into governance outcomes. Anambra emerged as the top performer in overall fiscal sustainability, followed by Lagos, Kwara, Abia, and Edo. Meanwhile, Cross River, once considered a leader in fiscal responsibility, dropped significantly, while Yobe replaced Jigawa at the bottom.

    Despite the challenges, the report identifies progress areas: 31 states have reduced domestic debt, improving long-term fiscal stability. 24 states now allocate at least half of their budgets to capital development, an improvement compared to previous years. Internally generated revenue (IGR) has increased steadily in some states, with Lagos, Ogun, Delta, Kaduna, and Enugu consistently leading. However, BudgIT emphasises that fiscal sustainability alone is not success — the real question is whether revenue growth translates into better hospitals, safer maternity care, reliable health insurance schemes, and stronger disease prevention systems.

    The report sends a clear and urgent message: Nigerian states actually have the fiscal room to strengthen healthcare delivery — but improved health outcomes will only materialise when spending decisions reflect genuine priorities. Allocating money to health in budgets is not the same as releasing it consistently and effectively. Too often, funds meant for primary healthcare are delayed, diverted, or lost to inefficiencies and leakages, weakening the very system meant to serve those who need it most.

    To change this, states must shift from rhetorical commitments to practical action — ensuring timely budget releases, plugging wasteful expenditure, and enforcing real accountability in how health funds are managed and monitored. Strengthening primary healthcare should be the cornerstone of this effort. When primary health centres are adequately staffed, equipped, and supported, communities receive care where they live, preventing avoidable complications and reducing the pressure on already overstretched tertiary and teaching hospitals.

    Nigeria’s health outcomes will not improve through declarations, conferences, or budget lines alone. They will improve when citizens can walk into a primary health centre and get timely, affordable, and quality care — without needing to travel to tertiary hospitals for basic services. The gap between commitment and reality remains wide. Closing it is not just a fiscal necessity. It is a matter of public wellbeing — and lives.

  • Nigerian Men Are Dying in Silence

    Nigerian Men Are Dying in Silence

    Something is happening to Nigerian men — something quiet, something deadly. They are dying earlier, dying suddenly, and dying avoidable deaths. Yet, the conversations that could save them are still wrapped in silence, shame and a culture that encourages endurance over vulnerability. Across the country, hospitals are reporting similar patterns: men in their 40s and 50s arriving with advanced prostate cancer, dangerously high blood pressure, kidney failure and stroke. And tragically, they often arrive too late.

    Prostate cancer, for instance, has become the most common cancer among Nigerian men. It is, on paper, one of the most treatable forms of cancer when caught early. But early detection requires openness — something society has not trained men for. When a man begins to urinate frequently at night, feels pain, sees blood or notices declining sexual function, he often dismisses it as fatigue or stress. He carries the discomfort silently, hoping it will pass. By the time he finally walks into a clinic, the cancer may have spread beyond cure. The silence, not the disease, is what kills many.

    Hypertension tells a similar story — one of quiet danger and deadly denial. It has become so widespread among Nigerian men that many now treat it as a normal part of life, a mere inconvenience rather than a medical emergency. Even more troubling is that younger men and women are increasingly being diagnosed, yet the condition rarely shows dramatic symptoms. High blood pressure creeps in silently. A man who looks lively and full of energy at a wedding on Saturday can be in the emergency ward by Sunday. Some never even make it that far. As one cardiologist in Lagos puts it starkly, “Men come only when their bodies have already surrendered.” And yet, a simple, routine blood pressure check — five minutes, no pain, almost no cost — could prevent countless sudden funerals. Still, for too many, the hospital remains the last resort, not the first step.

    Beyond physical illnesses, another crisis brews beneath the surface. Nigerian men are carrying emotional loads that remain invisible but heavy. The economy places immense pressure on them to provide. Cultural expectations demand they never show weakness. Many are terrified of failing — and terrified of admitting that fear. Yet, society tells men that tears are shameful, vulnerability is weakness, and emotions are best buried. So they bottle up stress, anxiety, depression. They laugh loudly in public and cry quietly in their hearts. And because their pain is private, their collapse is often shocking.

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    The World Health Organisation consistently reports that men are more likely to die by suicide than women in most countries, even though women often show higher rates of depression and attempted suicide. The difference is not that men feel less pain; it is that they are taught to bury it. They are raised to endure, to never admit fear or sadness. And when pain has no language, no outlet, and no listener — it festers. In the end, it is silence itself that becomes lethal.

    It does not have to remain this way. The idea that strength means silence must be redefined. True strength lies in acknowledging when the body or mind needs help. It lies in walking into a clinic before illness becomes irreversible. It lies in saying, “Something is wrong. I need to check this.” Men must understand that seeking help is not an admission of weakness — it is an act of survival.

    Families also have a role to play. A man who provides for others should not be allowed to drown emotionally inside the very home he sustains. Households must become safe spaces where men can speak honestly about fears, pain and uncertainty. Partners should encourage check-ups, not mock concerns. Sometimes, the reminder that saves a life comes from someone who is simply paying attention. Religious and community institutions must also step forward. Sermons about responsibility and leadership should include conversations about physical health and emotional well-being. A five-minute reminder during a gathering could encourage dozens of men to get screened — and save lives.

    The men of Nigeria are not reckless. They are not indifferent to their own survival. They are simply products of a culture that taught them to hide pain and equate vulnerability with failure. But the cost of continuing along this path is heavy — families are left without fathers, wives without husbands, communities without mentors and children without guidance.

    It is time for a quiet revolution—one that begins in our homes, workplaces, friendships and daily conversations. A revolution where a man can say, “I am tired,” without feeling diminished; where clinic visits are routine, not last-minute emergencies; where living is intentional, not accidental. The Nigerian man is expected to be a protector, a leader, a provider. But to provide, one must first survive. And survival begins with listening to the body, acknowledging pain, and choosing life. Because the strongest man is not the one who endures suffering in silence. The strongest man is the one who chooses to stay alive.

  • ‘Breast cancer is not a death sentence when detected early’

    ‘Breast cancer is not a death sentence when detected early’

    By Olabisi Azeez

    The Chairperson of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 1 Division Chapter, Dr. (Mrs.) Halima Tafida-Wase, has called on women to prioritise early screening and self-examination for breast cancer, stressing that early detection significantly improves survival. She made the call during the NAOWA Cancer Awareness Week 2025, held at the association’s secretariat, Ribadu in Kaduna recently.

    The event,  with the theme,Caught between cultural expectations of unshakable strength and the quiet weight of unspoken pain, many Nigerian men are dying before their time — often long before they ever find the courage or words to ask for help. They are suffering quietly, breaking down privately, and collapsing unexpectedly. The cost of silence is death — and Nigerian men are paying it every day.

     “My Breast and I,” aimed to encourage women to become more aware of their bodies and take charge of their health. Speaking at the programme, Tafida-Wase said the theme served as a personal reminder to every woman that the breast is not just a physical feature, but “a part of her story, identity, and well-being.” “For too long, many women have suffered in silence due to fear, shame, or lack of awareness,” she said. “Today, we break that silence. We say loudly and clearly: Early detection saves lives. Breast cancer is not a death sentence. When discovered early, it can be treated successfully.”

    She emphasised the importance of routine breast self-examinations and urged women to seek medical attention immediately if they notice any abnormal changes. “Every woman here should know her breast,” she said. “Examine it regularly. Report any unusual change to your doctor. Let us replace fear with knowledge, courage, and love — for ourselves and for one another.”

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    The NAOWA chairperson appreciated doctors, nurses, survivors, and volunteers present at the event, describing them as heroes whose experiences and dedication continue to inspire others. She also commended the wife of the Chief of Army Staff for her leadership and commitment to women’s health across military formations. “Your health is your wealth,” Tafida-Wase added. “Don’t wait for pain before you act. Know your body and take care of it. Together, let us build a community where no woman fights alone — where awareness replaces ignorance and hope replaces fear.”

    Also speaking, Dr. Rabi’a Adams, a medical surgeon and breast cancer awareness advocate, said the campaign seeks to equip women with knowledge of breast cancer signs and symptoms, and to encourage prompt medical attention. She said the training included practical demonstrations on monthly breast self-examinations and guidance on scheduling regular clinical check-ups. “Women must be proactive about their health,” Adams said. “Knowing your body and seeking medical help early can make all the difference.” She stressed that increased awareness, early screening, and timely treatment remain essential in reducing breast cancer-related deaths.

  • Excess salt consumption driving rise in non-communicable diseases, CAPPA warns

    Excess salt consumption driving rise in non-communicable diseases, CAPPA warns

    The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has raised alarm over the rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria, linking the trend to excessive salt consumption. Speaking at a two-day journalism workshop in Port Harcourt, CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the rate at which Nigerians consume salt—especially through processed and packaged foods—has become a major public health concern. The workshop was organised in collaboration with the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Centre for Communication and Social Impact, and the University of Abuja.

    With the theme: “Salt/FOPL Journalism Training on Industry Interference and Response Building,” the session was aimed at equipping journalists to better report and educate the public on the health risks associated with high salt intake. “Nigerians consume far more salt than the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit of five grams per day,” Oluwafemi said. “What is worrisome is that most of this salt is hidden in processed foods.” He called for mandatory salt reduction targets for processed and pre-packaged foods as well as the adoption of front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) to help consumers easily identify healthier products. He also warned about the increasing influence of food corporations on policymaking, saying such interference could stall public health reforms.

    Also speaking, Public Health Physician Dr. Joseph Ekiyor highlighted the severe consequences of high sodium intake. He noted that excessive salt consumption significantly raises the risk of hypertension, heart attacks, strokes, and other vascular diseases. According to him, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally, with low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria bearing the highest burden. Ekiyor stressed the need for strong government policies to regulate salt levels in processed foods and encouraged manufacturers to adopt healthier production practices.

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    In his remarks, Dr. Jerome Mafeni, Technical Advisor at NHED, urged journalists to play a proactive role in driving public awareness and advocacy. “The media must continuously educate Nigerians on the dangers of excessive salt intake,” he said. “At the policy level, regulation is necessary to protect citizens and enable informed food choices.” Mafeni noted that while some progress had been made through advocacy and stakeholder engagement, such efforts have often faced resistance from industry players and bureaucratic hurdles. He called for sustained pressure to ensure that public health interests are prioritised over commercial influence.

  • Firm marks anniversary with free medical outreach in Ibadan

    Firm marks anniversary with free medical outreach in Ibadan

    A firm, Online Health Company (OHealth), has commenced activities marking its fifth anniversary with a week-long programme dedicated to giving back to society through free medical checkups and minor surgeries.

    A statement by media consultant to OHealth, Rotimi Agboluaje, operating under Cred 360 Media Limited, the celebration from 27-31 October will take place at the Brain Center Neuro-Critical and Rehabilitation Centre, Ibadan.

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    The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of OHealth, Dr. Temitope Farombi, a consultant neurologist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and founder of the Brain Centre Neuro-Critical and Rehabilitation Centre, informed that the anniversary would focus on community health impact.

    She said: “We are five. To mark this milestone, we are giving back to society with free medical checkups and minor surgical procedures. We are stretching out our healing hands to support people who otherwise might not have access to quality healthcare.”

    She explained that the initiative aligns with OHealth’s mission of bridging healthcare access gaps in Nigeria through technology-driven and community-based interventions.

    “Interested participants are encouraged to register ahead of the event through the OHealth mobile application, available on Apple Store, or via the company’s website.

    “The OHealth anniversary celebration is expected to feature volunteer medical professionals, health talks, diagnostic services, and public awareness campaigns on preventive healthcare.”

  • Rotary Foundation chairman Knaack visits Nigeria to strengthen polio fight, promote health initiatives

    Rotary Foundation chairman Knaack visits Nigeria to strengthen polio fight, promote health initiatives

     The Rotary Foundation Chairman and Past Rotary International President, Holger Knaack, and his spouse Susanne, begin a week-long visit to Nigeria from November 1–7, 2025, to reinforce Rotary’s enduring commitment to eradicating polio, preventing disease, and protecting mothers and children.

    During the visit, Knaack will meet with Rotary leaders, government officials, and partners including the Federal Ministry of Health, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and other partners. 

    A statement by Rotary Public Image Coordinator for 

    Zone 22, Region 27 Ibim Semenitari said Knaack will also participate in a Polio immunization field exercise.

     He will also visit Rotary’s Programme of Scale—Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria, which supports maternal and child health across communities as well as sites in the FCT and Akwa Ibom states where the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge is being implemented. 

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    “Rotary’s work in Nigeria continues to inspire the world.

     “Our shared goal is not only to end polio but to build lasting systems that keep families healthy and strong,”

    said Rotary International President-Elect Yinka Babalola.

    Rotary Foundation Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okoro added: “The Rotary Foundation transforms generosity into impact. From vaccines that save children to programmes that empower mothers, our work in Nigeria shows what service and compassion can achieve.”

    The visit will also include donor recognition ceremonies and meetings with local Rotary districts, celebrating the transformative power of partnerships that continue to change lives across Nigeria.

  • Foundation commissions new ward at HTS, unveils UBOMI medical, surgical outreach

    Foundation commissions new ward at HTS, unveils UBOMI medical, surgical outreach

    Pistis Foundation today commissioned a newly constructed ward at the Hospital for Trauma & Surgery (HTS), expanding the hospital’s capacity to deliver free and subsidised healthcare to underserved communities.

    The ward, donated and fully equipped by the foundation, was officially unveiled by its Board Chair, Godman Akinlabi, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the facility.

    The new ward also marks the commencement of the 2025 UBOMI Medical and Surgical Outreach — a five-day programme offering free medical consultations, diagnostics, pharmacy support, dental and eye care, maternal health services, and select surgical procedures to individuals and families who cannot afford treatment.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Akinlabi reaffirmed that the initiative aligns with the Foundation’s mission to bridge the gap between healthcare availability and accessibility.

    “UBOMI is designed to restore dignity and give vulnerable families access to the care they need without the fear of financial burden. This new ward is more than infrastructure — it is an answer to a pressing need in our communities and a practical demonstration of compassion in action,” he said.

    According to Leonard F. Thomas, Executive Director of Pistis Foundation, the project will have a lasting impact on community health outcomes.

    “This year, our focus is not just on treatment but on continuity of care. Beyond the outreach window, patients will receive follow-up support through our partner facility here at HTS. We are building a health access pipeline that ensures long-term wellbeing, especially for families who have been shut out of the healthcare system for years,” Thomas stated.

    The partnership with HTS will enable UBOMI to serve a larger volume of patients in a safe and well-equipped environment, ensuring continuity of care beyond the outreach period.

    The five-day UBOMI Medical and Surgical Outreach is open to the public, with thousands of beneficiaries expected to access free and quality healthcare services during the programme.

  • Doctors’ exodus hits Kwara State

    Doctors’ exodus hits Kwara State

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    Scores of doctors recruited into Kwara State civil service between 2022 and 2025 have quit for greener pasture abroad.

    The state recruited 1,500 workers in cadres in the years under review, but over 1,000 are left, Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Hajiya Habibat Yusuf, has said.

    She told reporters yesterday in Ilorin on the sidelines of promotion examination for civil servants.

    Yusuf said over 2,000 of all categories of civil servants from grade level seven to 17 would write the 2024 promotion examination and interview.

    The state government last week inducted over 1,000 workers into the civil service.

    The civil service commission chief said: “Last week, we did induction for over 1,000 civil servants recruited from 2022 to date.

    “I know we recruited more than 1,500, but the ‘Japa’ syndrome, especially in the medical sector, depleted the number. Scores of medical personnel have left for greener pasture. But we are still recruiting, especially in the health sector.”

    She added: “We have counselled those writing the promotion examination. After the week-long exam, oral interview begins on November 3 and it will last for four weeks.

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    “The consistency of the Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq-led government in promoting civil servants has been a morale and confidence booster for civil servants.

    “Immediately we finish the 2024 promotion, we will start that of 2025 before the year runs out. The governor is civil service friendly. He always approves whatever request we table before him concerning promotion and staff welfare.

    “He is usually interested in the growth, development and education of civil servants.”

  • FG reaffirms focus on preventive healthcare with 2025 national health promotion day

    FG reaffirms focus on preventive healthcare with 2025 national health promotion day

    With rising cases of non-communicable and preventable diseases across Nigeria, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts to shift national attention toward preventive healthcare and healthy living through the commemoration of the 2025 National Health Promotion Day.

    Health promotion, according to the Federal Ministry of Health on Social Welfare, is now central to the country’s strategy for reducing disease burden, improving wellbeing, and ensuring sustainable national development. 

    It is in this context that the Ministry, through its Health Promotion Division in the Family Health Department, will mark the 2025 edition of the National Health Promotion Day with the theme “Health Promotion: The Catalyst for Sustainable Health and Wellbeing of Nigerians 2.0.”

    According to the Director of the Family Health Department, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, the event reflects the government’s renewed commitment to equipping citizens with knowledge and tools to make healthier lifestyle choices. 

    She said the celebration, which follows the 64th National Council on Health (NCH) resolution, underscores the link between health literacy, economic productivity, and national growth.

    The commemoration, according to her, aims to raise awareness about the importance of preventive healthcare, encourage positive health behaviours, and foster collaboration among citizens, policymakers, and health professionals to achieve national health goals

    Dr. Ukaire recalled that the maiden National Health Promotion Day was declared on October 29, 2024, by Prof. Pate to institutionalize preventive health as a national priority and embed health promotion into the country’s public health system.

    She added that the 2025 edition would feature post-event activities such as community sensitization, outreach programmes, health-promoting school initiatives, media campaigns, and webinars led by experts to educate Nigerians on preventive care and healthy living.

    State governments are expected to join the Federal Ministry in marking the day, while Nigerians are encouraged to actively participate in the events and online conversations using the hashtag #HealthPromotionDay2025.

    According to her, activities will begin on October 29 with a press briefing by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. L Ali Pate, followed by a fitness and wellness walk, as well as a technical session on October 30.

  • Breast cancer awareness: Men urged to watch for early symptoms

    Breast cancer awareness: Men urged to watch for early symptoms

    Founder of Silver Cross Healthcare and Diagnostics, Ese Onemiye, has warned that even though rare, men can also get breast cancer.

    Onemiye said symptoms of breast cancer in men include a lump near the nipple or nipple discharge, noting that awareness among men is important for early treatment.

    Onemiye, however, said for women, breast cancer was one of the most common diseases affecting women worldwide, adding that despite major advances in medical science, many women and even some men continue to face this diagnosis each year.

    According to Onemiye, awareness, education and early detection could however save lives.

    Onemiye’s words: “Breast cancer happens when some cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably. These cells can form a lump or tumor and may spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. Most breast cancers start in the milk ducts or glands (lobules) of the breast.

    “Types of breast cancer are Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, DCIS, a non-invasive form of cancer where cells are limited to the ducts.

    “Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, IDC, the most common type, where cancer spreads beyond the ducts.

    “Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, ILC, starts in the glands and spreads to nearby tissues.

    “Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, a more aggressive type that doesn’t respond to hormonal treatment.

    “HER2-Positive Breast Cancer grows quickly but can be treated with special targeted drugs.

    “Certain things increase the chances of getting breast cancer, such as being female and older in age.

    “Family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2. Early menstruation or late menopause. Using hormonal therapy for a long time. Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol use, lack of exercise, and poor diet.

    “You should see a doctor if you notice a lump in the breast or underarm. Changes in breast size or shape. Dimpling or redness of the breast skin. Nipple discharge, especially if it’s bloody. Breast pain or swelling.

    “Breast cancer can be detected through self-examination: checking your breasts regularly.

    “Clinical examination: done by a healthcare provider. Mammogram: A breast X-ray that detects early changes. Ultrasound or MRI: for more detailed images.

    “Biopsy: a test to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer. They include surgery: removing the tumor or entire breast if necessary. Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.

    “Drugs that stop or slow cancer growth. For cancers affected by hormones like estrogen. Drugs that attack only cancer cells. Boosts the immune system to fight cancer.

    “When breast cancer is found early, it can often be treated successfully. Regular screening and awareness are key to early detection. Early diagnosis can save up to 90% of lives for localized cancers.

    “A diagnosis of breast cancer can bring emotional stress. Support from family, friends, and counselors is important during recovery. Healing the mind is just as important as healing the body.”