Head of Oncology Unit at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, Lagos, Dr Ajibike Orekoya, has advised Nigerians to go for cancer screening to ensure early detection of the disease and immediate treatment.

Ms Orekoya, a consultant Oncologist, gave the advice at a programme organised by the FMC Ebute Meta to commemorate the 2024 World Cancer Day.

The theme of the 2024 World Cancer Day is “Close the Care Gap.’’

The day, held globally every February 4, was initiated to increase awareness about the disease and address the social stigma connected with it.

 Cancer is the world’s second-largest cause of death according to the World Health Organisation.  

Ms Orekoya said, “Most cases of cancer in the country are detected late because people don’t do screening to know if there is any pre-invasive cancer before they become more advanced. This is mostly responsible for the increase in the number of people that died of cancer; at the time of detection, the disease would have got to an advanced stage where it can only be managed.

“In the developed countries, the survival rate is high because people go for regular screening to know if they have any form of cancer. For breast cancer, which is very common among women, they are expected to go for ultrasound of the breast, do self-examination once a month and go for mammogram once or twice yearly. Men can also go for screening to know if there is any enlargement in their prostate and other cancers that affect men.’’

She also urged Nigerians to be more active and to eat more fruits, vegetables and exercise to stay healthy.

“There have been an increase in cancer cases worldwide because of the change in our lifestyle. In the past, we were more active but now we lead a sedentary lifestyle and no longer engage in exercise,” Orekoya said.

(NAN)