Cancer Warning: Nigerians Urged to Speak Up About Symptoms, Embrace Screenings

Nigerians must speak up about unusual bodily symptoms to combat sudden deaths from cancer, according to an oncologist.

Dr. Temitope Olatunji, a Radiation and Clinical Consultant at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, stressed the importance of yearly health screenings. She noted that many people ignore strange symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

"With yearly screening and checkups, the hospital will be able to discover illnesses early and proffer early solutions; this will prevent unnecessary loss of life," Olatunji told the News Agency of Nigeria. She identified poverty as a significant obstacle preventing regular health checks and treatments.

“

With yearly screening and checkups, the hospital will be able to discover illnesses early and proffer early solutions; this will prevent unnecessary loss of life.

The oncologist urged government at all levels to intensify public advocacy, mass education, and awareness campaigns about cancer, early detection, and treatment. "Nigerians must know that cancer exists; they must know that keeping quiet is dangerous, so early alarm is critical to treatment and survival," she stated.

Olatunji also commended the Federal Government's health insurance program for reducing out-of-pocket expenses but called for deeper public awareness of its existence. Early detection and treatment are crucial for saving lives and curbing cancer cases in Nigeria. The warning comes after the recent death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who died at 66 after a battle with stage-four cancer.

“

Nigerians must know that cancer exists; they must know that keeping quiet is dangerous, so early alarm is critical to treatment and survival.