Anthony Ajiboye, the general surgeon at Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, has advised women on the importance of regular self-breast examinations.

Mr Ajiboye made the call in Ilorin while delivering a lecture as part of the activities to commemorate the 2025 Cancer Awareness Month.

His lecture, ‘Preventive Strategies for Cancer’, highlighted the need for preventive strategies that could be taken to prevent the risk of cancer occurring.

Self-breast examination involves visually checking the breasts in a mirror for changes in size, shape, or skin, and then feeling for lumps or other abnormalities using your fingertips.

Mr Ajiboye listed screening as a preventive strategy, which is the most effective and less costly, adding that people should be aware of the risk factors of cancer.

He warned people from using tobacco, adding that smoking had been linked to many types of cancer.

The expert also advised people to consume healthy foods, which might lower the risk, including fruits and vegetables.

“Avoid radiation exposure, pollution, ultraviolet light exposure, and sunlight, especially for people living with albinism,” he said.

The general surgeon admonished mothers to ensure their girl-child received the HPV and hepatitis vaccines.

The HPV vaccine can prevent cancers caused by a human papillomavirus infection, including cervical cancer, and the vaccine is free.

Mr Ajiboye also appealed to the government at all tiers to frequently organise mass screening and vaccination exercises, promote safe blood transfusion practices, and regularly broadcast jingles on mass media to sensitise people.

(NAN)