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Tag: breast cancer

  • Outreach sensitises young girls to breast cancer, others

    Outreach sensitises young girls to breast cancer, others

    Oyenike Oyekan Foundation’s outreach: “Catch Them Young” has continued its sensitisation of young girls on cancer.

    The foundation is an NGO focusing on cancer awareness, screening, care and social welfare development. It advocates regular screening.

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    During the outreach at Peoples Girls Grammar School, Molete in Ibadan, Oyo State, the team, led by Managing Consultant, Nelson Ekujumi, and Coordinator, Precious Fasiku, were received by senior tutors and pupils.

    Female pupils were given lecture on breast cancer; symptoms, causes, risk factors and what to be do if changes or lump is observed.

    Ekujumi said: “This advocacy is to debunk myths and beliefs about causes of breast cancer as a spiritual attack rather than an ailnent that every woman is a likely victim”.

  • Church rallies on early screening for breast cancer

    Church rallies on early screening for breast cancer

    With the global  battle against breast cancer, Kingdom Greater Glory in Jesus Christ has called on Nigerians, especially women, to break the silence surrounding the disease and embrace early detection as a lifesaving measure.

    The  group spoke during a walk awareness organised by the church’s outreach arm, Our Journey of Hope Cancer Care Ministry, to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

    Public Relations Officer, Olumide Ashade, said the campaign was aimed at dispelling myths about cancer and encouraging early screening and treatment.

    “We are joining the world to create awareness on breast cancer. Cancer is not a death sentence; early detection saves lives. Not every lump is cancerous, but when you notice one, go to the hospital for a check-up.” Ashade said.

    She noted importance of self-examination, urging women to conduct breast checks monthly. He said awareness and early diagnosis are key to reducing preventable deaths from breast cancer.

    “This walk is also to break the wall of silence around breast cancer,” she added.

    “In Nigeria, people often keep their health conditions to themselves due to fear or stigma. But if we speak out, we can win the war against breast cancer.”

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    Ashade explained that the awareness campaign also carried a message of faith and hope. “Cancer is a small ‘c’, but Christ is the big ‘C’. Hope is bigger than cancer, and awareness is the first step to prevention,” she said.

    The walk, which drew participants from the church community, cancer survivors, and volunteers, featured the distribution of flyers, educational materials, and on-the-spot health talks on how to perform breast self-examinations and identify warning signs.

    The organisers expressed confidence that greater awareness would empower more Nigerians to take charge of their health and seek help early.

    Public health experts have consistently warned that late presentation remains a major reason for high breast cancer mortality in Nigeria. Studies show that many women delay seeking medical help until the disease has reached an advanced stage, often due to fear, cultural beliefs, or lack of awareness.

    By combining faith, advocacy, and community action, the Kingdom Greater Glory Cancer Care Ministry hopes to change that narrative and inspire more Nigerians to speak up, get screened, and spread hope.

  • ‘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.

  • Abuja hospital steps up breast cancer awareness campaign

    Abuja hospital steps up breast cancer awareness campaign

    The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), Abuja, has intensified efforts to promote early detection and prevention of breast cancer, emphasising that timely diagnosis remains critical to reducing cancer-related deaths among women.

    The hospital noted that with greater awareness, improved access to screening, and prompt treatment, breast cancer survival rates can significantly improve.

    The disease remains one of the most common cancers affecting women globally and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Nigeria.

    As part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, AMCE said a 50 percent discount on mammogram screenings throughout October.

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    The initiative, according to the hospital, aims to make life-saving diagnostic services more affordable and accessible to all women, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.

    Dr. Gabriel Boules, Clinical Director of Oncology at AMCE, said early diagnosis remains the most effective tool in saving lives, “Early detection remains the most effective way to save lives from breast cancer.

    “A simple screening can make all the difference. At AMCE, we are committed to breaking barriers to access and ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to prioritize her health,” he said.

    He added that the centre’s goal goes beyond treatment to empower women through education and access, saying, “Our goal is not just to treat illness, but to empower women with knowledge and access.

    “By making screenings more affordable, we’re helping more people take control of their health because early detection saves lives”.

    AMCE said the campaign aligns with its mission to deliver world-class, patient-centered healthcare while advancing cancer prevention and treatment across Africa.

    He encouraged the public to take advantage of the initiative by visiting the African Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja to book mammogram appointments during the awareness month.

  • Breast cancer: First Lady calls for greater awareness, support for survivors

    Breast cancer: First Lady calls for greater awareness, support for survivors

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerians to raise awareness, support survivors, and encourage proactive health habits in the ongoing fight against breast cancer.

    In her message to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025, the First Lady emphasized the importance of solidarity, early detection, and regular medical screening among women, describing health consciousness as an essential part of national well-being.

    “This month, let us raise awareness, support survivors, and encourage one another to take proactive steps for better health,” Senator Tinubu urged.

    She noted that as women, mothers, sisters, and daughters, the health and wellness of women must remain a priority, adding that “early detection saves lives; regular self-examination and timely medical screening are key in the fight against breast cancer.”

    The First Lady further encouraged collective responsibility in promoting women’s health, stressing the need for continuous education and preventive care.

    “Let us work together to stay healthy,” she said, extending her good wishes to all Nigerian women and families observing the month.

  • Community pharmacists decry poor support, early grassroots detection awareness for breast cancer

    Community pharmacists decry poor support, early grassroots detection awareness for breast cancer

    Community Pharmacists under the aegis of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Oyo State Chapter, have raised concerns over the inadequate support and awareness for early detection of breast cancer at the grassroots level.

    The concern was voiced during a one-day breast care awareness training organized for Community Pharmacists by the Department of Radiation Oncology. 

    The training was held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the Seminar Room of the Odeku Library Extension, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

    Chairman of the ACPN Oyo State Chapter, Pharm. Adebayo Gbadamosi (DCPharm), emphasized the critical role Community Pharmacists play in tackling public health challenges. 

    He noted that their strategic position in local communities makes them effective agents for advocacy and intervention, especially in addressing non-communicable diseases that predominantly affect grassroots populations.

    Pharm. Gbadamosi highlighted the remarkable contribution of Community Pharmacists in Oyo State during the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, describing their success as unmatched across the country.

    He called for greater recognition of Community Pharmacies as key components of Nigeria’s Primary Healthcare infrastructure, stressing their accessibility and the trust they command among the people. 

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    According to him, empowering these pharmacies would significantly improve the nation’s healthcare outcomes.

    He further stressed that breast cancer, being one of the leading causes of death among women, can be better prevented through early detection, a process that Community Pharmacists are well-positioned to facilitate as the first point of contact in many healthcare cases at the grassroots.

    Pharm Gbadamosi lauded the organisers for the collaborative effort and working relationship with Community Pharmacists in tackling the scourge of breast cancer in Nigeria. 

    He reiterated the fact that collaboration among healthcare providers is the goal standard for cost reduction on healthcare expenditures, improved quality of life and universal health coverage. 

    He berrated those who continue to fan ember of discord in the healthcare sector as retrogressors whose only interest is selfish aggrandizement which is totally against the public. 

    He called the government at different tiers to embrace policies that provide platforms for all the members of the healthcare team to fully realise their potentials which is to the benefit of our nation. 

    He stated that Community Pharmacies have a lot to offer our ailing health sector and should be seen as a worthy addition in the face of the current healthcare professionals’ scarcity in Nigeria.

  • Global breast cancer cases to rise by 38% by 2050 – WHO warns

    Global breast cancer cases to rise by 38% by 2050 – WHO warns

    Breast cancer cases worldwide are expected to surge by 38% by 2050, with annual diagnoses reaching 3.2 million, according to a new report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization (WHO).

    The report, published in Nature Medicine, also warns that deaths from the disease could rise by 68%, leading to 1.1 million annual fatalities if current trends persist.

    Experts highlight that low- and middle-income countries will bear the brunt of this increase due to limited access to early detection and effective treatment.

    IARC scientist Joanne Kim emphasized the urgency of the situation, revealing that every minute, four women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and one woman dies from it.

    “These numbers are getting worse, but governments can change this by investing in early detection and treatment,” Kim said.

    The highest number of cases are found in Australia, New Zealand, North America, and Northern Europe. In contrast, South-Central Asia and parts of Africa have the lowest rates. 

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    However, the worst death rates occur in Melanesia, Polynesia, and Western Africa, where poor healthcare access leads to worse outcomes.

    Survival rates for breast cancer vary greatly depending on a country’s economic status. In high-income countries, 83% of women diagnosed with the disease survive due to better access to early detection, advanced treatment, and healthcare infrastructure. 

    However, in low-income countries, more than half of women diagnosed with breast cancer die, often due to late diagnosis, limited medical resources, and inadequate treatment options.

    To combat the rising numbers, WHO launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative in 2021. 

    The goal is to cut breast cancer deaths by 2.5% each year, potentially saving 2.5 million lives by 2040.

    IARC’s Deputy Head of Cancer Surveillance, Isabelle Soerjomataram, stressed the need for better cancer data and policies, especially in poorer regions.

    “Early diagnosis and access to treatment must improve if we are to reduce suffering and death worldwide,” she said.

    “The report calls for stronger health systems, more funding for breast cancer screening, and affordable prevention strategies. 

    “Without urgent action, millions of women could lose their lives to a disease that is now more preventable and treatable than ever.”

  • Community holds breast cancer awareness walk 

    Community holds breast cancer awareness walk 

    A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Trackfit community has hosted its annual breast cancer awareness walk at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), uniting 156 participants in a vibrant celebration of health and community spirit.

    The event kicked off with registration, where attendees donned pink attire to symbolize their support for breast cancer awareness. 

    Osas Irianele, also known as Osasbaby, delivered inspiring opening remarks that energized the crowd and set a positive tone for the day.

    Following the opening address, participants engaged in a sensitization talk led by representatives from St. Cyril Cancer Treatment Center, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection and regular screenings for breast cancer. 

    Attendees also benefited from essential health checks provided by Amal Outreach, further promoting awareness and preventive measures. Excitement peaked with a spirited 500m x 4 relay race coordinated by Coach Martins, where Team White, known as One Tribe, showcased their competitive spirit and teamwork, ultimately emerging victorious.

    After the relay, participants took part in vital screenings conducted by Pink Clinic, which offered private checks and consultations, reinforcing the event’s commitment to wellness and proactive health management.

    The main walk followed, covering a scenic 5km route from the university’s back gate through Ransom Kuti and Afe Babalola Hall before returning to the starting point. 

    Throughout the walk, attendees displayed their dance moves and enjoyed engaging fitness demonstrations, creating a

    festive atmosphere of celebration and unity.

    Participants also had the opportunity to network while staying refreshed with Cway water, Boxi, and Porcari Sweat. The day fostered a strong sense of community, resilience, and togetherness among all involved.

    Ademola Alugo, coordinator of Trackfit, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support

    received: “By partnering with Pink Clinic, we’re able to provide vital health services to our community while spreading awareness about breast cancer. 

    “A massive shoutout goes to our incredible EXCOS and the planning committee at Trackfit, whose hard work and dedication made this event possible. 

    “We also thank everyone who participated and contributed to this important cause, including our partners Cway, Porcari Sweat, Crestville Apartments, and our sponsor Bay Ice.

    “Bay Ice proudly sponsored the event, celebrating the launch of its Elegant Woman watch designed to empower and inspire women. 

    “We’re proud to support this meaningful cause and encourage women to prioritize their health,” noted Adamu from Bay Ice. 

  • Step-up efforts to fight breast cancer, Pate urges wives of military officers

    Step-up efforts to fight breast cancer, Pate urges wives of military officers

    Health Minister, Dr. Ali Pate, has urged wives of military officers to intensify efforts against breast cancer, emphasising it is a global health concern requiring collaborative efforts from governments, individuals and organisations.

    Speaking at the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) cancer awareness programme yesterday,  in Abuja, Dr. Pate emphasised the government’s commitment to eradicating the disease.

    He said the government has established cancer centers in all six geopolitical zones to provide diagnosis, treatment and high-level interventions, eliminating the need for Nigerians to seek care abroad.

    Represented by his Senior Special Adviser, Emmanuel Odu, Pate said the government was strengthening local production of medical products to help address the rising cost of medications in the country.

    He said: “We know now that the cost of medicines or medications is very high. Antibiotics, basic medications that you could buy at N4,000 quite some time ago, the prices are high due to what is happening at the international arena.

    Read Also: Men can also have breast cancer, UITH’s CMD warns

    “So unlocking the health value chain strives to increase the local production of health commodities and medicines.”

    Earlier in her address, NAFOWA President, Dr. Rakiya Abubakar stressed the importance of education, empowerment and eradication in combating cancer.

    She emphasised prioritising education to understand risks, recognise early signs and learn prevention strategies.

    Dr. Abubakar also advocated for empowering those affected by cancer through robust support systems, high-quality healthcare and essential resources.

  • Men can also have breast cancer, UITH’s CMD warns

    Men can also have breast cancer, UITH’s CMD warns

    The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Prof. Yusuf Dasilva, has warned that men are as susceptible to breast as women.

    He advised both genders to always go for screening.

    Dasilva gave the warning while addressing reporters on the sidelines of a “Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness” organised in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, as part of activities marking the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commemoration, with the theme: No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone, was organised by UITH in collaboration with Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN).

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    The CMD, who was represented by UITH’s Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Prof. Bilyaminu Abayomi, described breast cancer as a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.

    According to him, certain factors, including increasing age and obesity, increase the risk of breast cancer.

    Others, he said, are harmful use of alcohol, family history of breast cancer, history of radiation exposure, reproductive history (such as age that menstrual periods began and age at first pregnancy), tobacco use and postmenopausal hormone therapy.

    Dasilva noted that the theme of the programme was apt, as it would help to raise awareness and drive behavioural change against stigmatisation of those with the disease.

    The CMD explained that the exercise was meant to facilitate knowledge sharing and provide a platform for dissemination of breast cancer information and sensitise people on the need to get screened and ensure early diagnosis to save lives.

    According to him, breast cancer is not a death sentence, as people can start treatment, if diagnosed early.

    Also, a consultant general surgeon at UITH, Dr. Olushola Fasiku, underscored the importance of creating awareness on breast cancer.

    Fasiku described breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths in women, adding that over two million cases are recorded yearly globally.

    The consultant noted that with appropriate treatment, people with the disease can live long but insisted that men too should go for screening.

    A consultant public health physician at UITH’s Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, Dr. Mojirola Fasiku, said one in every eight women would have breast cancer.

    Fasiku, who noted that breast cancer has been on the rise, advised all stakeholders to support those with the disease.

    She warned against stigmatisation, maintaining that the disease is not contagious.