Former Ogun State First Lady, Olufunso Amosun, has encouraged women not to view cancer as a death sentence. She made the call at the flag-off of the 2026 free breast and cervical cancer screening exercise at the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The event, organised by the UPLIFT Development Foundation, aims to provide life-saving interventions and ensure timely access to healthcare for women.
According to Mrs Amosun, breast cancer incidence in Nigeria has risen by nearly 300 per cent over the past three decades. Citing data from the Global Cancer Observatory 2022, she stated that Nigeria recorded 32,278 new breast cancer cases and 16,332 deaths, giving the country the highest burden on the African continent. This underscores the need for increased awareness and early detection.
Mrs Amosun emphasised that early detection is one of the most effective ways to reduce cancer-related deaths. She noted that survival rates for patients diagnosed at an early stage could exceed 90 per cent, compared with less than 30 per cent for those diagnosed at an advanced stage. This highlights the importance of regular screening and prompt medical attention.
The 2025 edition of the programme saw over 600 women benefit from the screening, with 22 women found to have breast-related concerns. Out of these, 11 women diagnosed with suspicious breast lumps underwent free lumpectomy surgeries and post-operative care funded by the foundation. This demonstrates the impact of the programme in providing life-saving interventions.
Mrs Amosun encouraged women participating in the 2026 exercise to prioritise preventive healthcare and not allow fear to delay them from seeking medical attention. She also urged beneficiaries to become advocates for cancer awareness by sharing the message of early screening with their families, friends, and communities.
Medical Consultant and Surgeon at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebenezer Nkom, de-emphasised the efficacy of native remedial measures, stressing that early clinical detection can prevent mortality. He warned against narratives that sucking a human breast may cure breast cancer and appealed to Nigerians to pay attention to their health.
According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer is a disease where abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Mrs Amosun's message remains clear: cancer may be a serious health challenge, but with awareness, early detection, and timely treatment, it does not have to be a death sentence.
Key points
- Early detection of cancer can increase survival rates to over 90 per cent.
- Nigeria has the highest burden of breast cancer on the African continent, with 32,278 new cases recorded in 2022.
- The UPLIFT Development Foundation has been focused on cancer awareness, screening, and equipping local care facilities since its inception in 2012.
