Tag: Ese Onemiye

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.”

Founder of Silver Cross Healthcare, Ese Onemiye, has warned that without community-led and technology-driven solutions, ensuring healthcare access for underserved populations will become difficult in the face of economic hardship and brain drain.

Onemiye, in a statement, expressed dismay over the ongoing brain drain of medical personnel from Nigeria, noting that it was a symptom of systemic neglect in areas such as workforce support, infrastructure and professional fulfillment.

According to her, healthcare professionals were not leaving for better pay but to environments where they were valued, equipped and empowered to deliver quality care.

The statement reads: “The ongoing brain drain of medical personnel from Nigeria is a symptom of deeper systemic neglect, particularly in areas such as workforce support, infrastructure, and professional fulfillment.

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“Healthcare professionals are not leaving solely for better pay; they are leaving for environments where they are valued, equipped, and empowered to deliver quality care. The antidote lies in building a health system that prioritizes its people.

“At Silver Cross Healthcare, we believe retention starts with investment in infrastructure, competitive compensation, continuous training, and, crucially, mental health support for caregivers and professionals alike. Through our foundation, we also champion the emotional and economic wellbeing of women caregivers, who form a vital yet often-invisible pillar of healthcare.

“If we want our talent to stay, we must create a culture of respect, resilience, and reward within the system. A thriving healthcare workforce is not a luxury; it is the backbone of national development.

“Ensuring healthcare access for underserved populations in the face of economic hardship and brain drain requires adaptive, community-led, and technology-driven solutions.

“At Silver Cross Healthcare, we champion decentralized care models, empowering family caregivers with the skills, mental health support, and tools to provide frontline care in their own homes and communities. This approach not only fills the human resource gap but also brings healthcare closer to those who need it most.

“Technology and telemedicine are also critical. By connecting remote patients to medical professionals through virtual platforms, we bridge access gaps and reduce dependency on overburdened urban hospitals.

“Ultimately, cross-sector collaboration among governments, private enterprises, and mission-driven organisations is crucial for pooling resources and amplifying impact. At the Silver Cross Living Well Empowerment Foundation, our commitment is clear: when we invest in the people already providing care, especially women, we strengthen the entire system from the inside out.”