The First Lady of Anambra State, Nonye Soludo, has advised Nigerians to avoid tobacco use, minimise exposure to environmental pollutants and maintain healthy diets to reduce the risk of lung cancer. 

Ms Soludo, also the founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, urged citizens to engage in regular physical activity and undertake routine medical check-ups, including lung cancer screening for eligible high-risk individuals.

She gave the advice in a statement issued on Saturday in Awka to commemorate the 2026 World Lung Cancer Day, observed annually on August 1. 

The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Stronger Together: United for Lung Cancer Awareness.” 

The governor’s wife called on Nigerians to prioritise early detection of lung cancer and adopt healthy lifestyles, noting that the disease remained one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. 

“Tobacco smoking remains the leading risk factor for lung cancer. 

“Non-smokers can also develop the disease through prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke, air pollution, radon gas, asbestos, harmful chemicals and certain genetic factors. 

“We need to seek prompt medical attention if there is a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, recurrent chest infections, persistent fatigue or hoarseness of voice. 

“Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes. 

“The advances in modern medicine, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, have improved survival rates for patients diagnosed at an early stage,” she said. 

Ms Soludo reaffirmed the commitment of the Healthy Living Initiative to complement government efforts through sustained public health education, preventive healthcare campaigns and community-based advocacy. 

According to her, such efforts will promote healthy living and reduce preventable diseases. 

She called on governments, development partners, healthcare institutions, researchers, the media and community leaders to strengthen investments in cancer awareness, screening, research and treatment services. 

“Protecting lung health is a shared responsibility. 

“We need to work together to build a healthier society through prevention, early detection and equitable access to quality healthcare,” Ms Soludo said.

 (NAN)