Cancer experts yesterday urged Nigerians to check for the disease to detect it early.
At the 2nd edition of Omolara Jolaoso Memorial Lecture to mark the World Cancer Day, the experts said early detection would increase the chances of people surviving cancer.
A consultant radiologist, Prof Remi Ajekigbe, said people can survive cancer if it is picked early because “cancer is not a death sentence”.
He urged people to present early to health facilities anytime they notice a lump or any changes in their body.
“We are not happy with the way we see cancer patients presenting late in the hospital. What is wrong with women doing breast self-examination? What is wrong with people speaking out if they have anything unusual in their body?” he said.
Ajekigbe, who chaired the programme, said awareness was key to surviving cancer, adding that people should be educated on steps to take when they are confronted with the problem.
Julie Gralow, professor of medical oncology at the University of Washington, United States, said people are surviving cancer, adding that the situation should not be different in Nigeria.
According to her, there are 14 million cancer survivors in the United States.
“Over 90 per cent of cancer survivors are alive for at least five years,” she said.
Gralow said survivorship was a critical part of comprehensive cancer control programme in the US.
The oncologist urged the people to engage in healthy eating and regular exercise as these would ensure longevity for survivors.
“Exercise is part of our treatment for cancer survivors. Nutrition may also decrease cancer recurrence,” she said.
She said prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and support would bring about survivorsip.
The don said yoga can improve symptoms and quality of life of survivors.
“Most survivors often experience anxiety and depression, among other conditions,” she said.