A former Ogun State First Lady, Olufunso Amosun, has encouraged women with cancer to embrace early detention and prompt treatment, adding that “cancer is not a death sentence”.
She made the call during the 2026 free breast and cervical cancer screening organised at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta.
She said the annual screening exercise was more than a routine medical check, adding that, the screen provide opportunity for life-saving interventions and ensure that women have timely access to healthcare.
Mrs Amosun said breast cancer incidence in the country had risen by nearly 300 per cent over the past three decades.
Citing data from the Global Cancer Observatory 2022, she said Nigeria recorded 32,278 new breast cancer cases and 16,332 deaths, giving the country the highest burden on the African continent.
She, however, emphasised that early detection remained one of the most effective ways of reducing cancer-related deaths.
According to her, 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.
She said, “Since inception in 2012, the UPLIFT Development Foundation has focused on cancer awareness, screening, and equipping local care facilities, alongside broader humanitarian efforts targeting women, widows, and vulnerable groups across Ogun State.”
Amosun encouraged women participating in the 2026 exercise to make preventive healthcare a priority, urging them not to allow fear to delay them from seeking medical attention.
She also called on the beneficiaries to become advocates for cancer awareness by sharing the message of early screening with their families, friends and communities.
“Cancer may be a serious health challenge, but with awareness, early detection and timely treatment, it does not have to be a death sentence.”
In his remarks, a Medical Consultant and Surgeon at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebenezer Nkom, clampdown on local remedial measures in combating cancer, stating, early clinical detection will prevent mortality.
“You shouldn’t be afraid of losing your breast; it is when you are alive that you can talk of the beauty of your husband. Some of you even thought that when a man sucks your breast, you will be healed of cancer; that is not true. Go through screening and whenever you notice anything, meet a doctor immediately.”
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