Lagos: Dr Samuel Otene, a Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist, has advised Nigerian women on lifestyle modifications, regular self-examination, and early medical intervention to tackle breast cancer. Otene gave the advice on Thursday in Lagos at a two-day workshop organised by the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) for journalists and to commemorate the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the training was in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and supported by Roche Nigeria. The oncologist, who works at Benue State University, noted that the survival rate of breast cancer in the country was low. He attributed the low survival rate to late detection, inadequate access to screening medical care, and other factors.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer death among women. Dr Otene emphasized that preventive measures and early detection are key in the fight against breast cancer. He highlighted that in Nigeria, many women do not perform self-examinations and only visit the hospital when the disease has advanced.
Dr Otene advised women to be vigilant for symptoms like new lumps, breast skin changes, whole breast or nipple swelling, and other noticeable changes, and to seek prompt medical care. He explained that both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors contribute to breast cancer, underscoring the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He also pointed out that breast cancer can originate from any cell in the breast, with gender, age, family history, obesity, alcohol consumption, and high-fat diets being some of the risk factors.
For women above 40 years, Dr Otene recommended undergoing mammograms for early detection, which can significantly improve survival rates.