A clinical oncologist, Dr. Omolola Salako, has urged Nigerians to prioritise cancer prevention, early detection and timely treatment, stressing that about 40 per cent of cancers are preventable.
Salako, the Chief Executive Officer of Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, gave the advice during an interview on Arise Channel’s Morning Show programme yesterday, while speaking on the state of cancer care in Nigeria.
She explained that effective cancer control rests on several key pillars, including prevention, screening, early detection and access to appropriate treatment.
According to her, although some cancers cannot be prevented, they can be detected early, improving the chances of successful treatment. She cited breast and prostate cancers as examples where early detection can make a significant difference.
Salako identified late presentation as one of Nigeria’s major cancer-care challenges, noting that many people experience symptoms but fail to recognise them as possible signs of cancer.
“I would like to pin more on public education because when we see patients present with advanced disease, cancers really start at least microscopic level,” she said.
She called for stronger public education to encourage Nigerians to recognise warning signs and seek medical attention promptly rather than waiting until symptoms become severe.
On treatment, Salako said cancer care places a huge financial burden on patients and families because treatment may involve multiple approaches, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapy.
She said treatment costs could range from about N10 million to N50 million or N60 million, adding that the financial burden is worsened by the fact that many Nigerians remain uninsured.
According to her, some patients who initially commence treatment eventually discontinue care because they cannot sustain the cost.
Salako, however, noted that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH&SW) has recently introduced initiatives, including social welfare and treatment support funds, in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies, to improve access to cancer care and support patients across the country.
On prevention, she urged Nigerians to address avoidable risk factors, including smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, while also paying attention to infections such as HIV and hepatitis B.
“Smoking contains tobacco and in tobacco there are more than 3,000 chemicals that are known to trigger cancer or start cancer,” she warned.
She also advocated safe sexual practices and appropriate specialist care for people living with viral infections.
Salako encouraged Nigerians to maintain a balanced diet, particularly foods rich in antioxidants and fibre, which she said could support the body’s repair processes and promote gut health.
She further recommended regular physical activity, stressing that exercise produces hormones and proteins with powerful health benefits.
She said combining prevention, public awareness, early detection, affordable treatment and sustained access to care would be critical to reducing Nigeria’s growing cancer burden.
