Temitope Olatunji, an oncologist, has advised Nigerians to raise alarm over any strange symptoms in their body to reduce sudden deaths arising from cancer.

Ms Olatunji, a radiation and clinical consultant at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), made the call in an interview in Ota, Ogun on Monday.

She reiterated the need for people to embrace yearly screening culture in order to avoid falling prey to diseases that could lead to untimely death.

“Many people don’t take their health seriously, and they don’t raise early alarm when they discover strange symptoms or experience unusual things in their body systems. 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,” she said.

The oncologist identified poverty as a major factor preventing people from undertaking regular health checks and treatments.

Ms Olatunji urged various levels of government to embark more on public advocacy, mass education and awareness campaigns on cancer, early detection and treatment options.

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

She commended the federal government for the introduction of a health insurance programme, saying that it will limit out of pocket expenses for people.

“We need to go further, by deepening the awareness level, this will enable members of the public to know that such programme exists,” she said.

Ms Olatunji stated that early detection and early treatment were key to saving lives, and curbing cancer cases in the country.

(NAN)