World Cancer Day: Experts urge Nigerians to embrace early screening, HPV vaccine

By Adejoke Adeleye/ Ogun

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark World Cancer Day, with the theme “United by Unique,” health experts have renewed calls for increased cancer awareness, early screening, and access to affordable treatment.

The experts said this during a cancer awareness walk, organised by the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), Ogun State Branch, aimed at sensitising residents on the importance of early detection and healthy living in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital.

Participants at the awareness walk marched through major streets, carrying placards with messages promoting cancer screening, prevention, and hope for cancer survivors.

Speaking during the programme, Dr. Bolaji Lateef Salako, a Consultant Radiation Oncologist and Secretary of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Ogun State Branch, emphasized that cancer is not a death sentence if detected early.

According to him, many cancer related deaths occur due to late presentation at health facilities, stressing that early diagnosis significantly improves survival chances and reduces treatment costs.

“Cancer is not a death sentence. The problem is that many people come late. Once cancer spreads from where it started to other parts of the body a process known as metastasis it becomes more difficult and more expensive to treat,” he said.

Dr. Salako explained that cancers detected at stages one and two are often easier and cheaper to manage compared to advanced stages. He therefore urged Nigerians to make routine medical check-ups and cancer screening a priority.

“You don’t have to wait until you feel sick. Even if it’s once a year or once in six months, go for screening,” he advised.

He listed common cancers affecting Nigerians, noting that breast cancer is more prevalent among women, though it can also occur in men, while prostate cancer is common among men. Colorectal and liver cancers affect both sexes. He also highlighted childhood cancers such as leukaemia, retinoblastoma (eye cancer), and kidney cancer, adding that cancer can affect anyone regardless of age.

“Cancer can affect anybody children, adults, even unborn babies. That is why awareness and screening are very important,” he added.

Dr. Salako disclosed that the Federal Government has flagged off a free cancer screening programme for breast and prostate cancers. He said advocacy would continue beyond awareness campaigns, including engagement with government officials to push for subsidized cancer treatment.

“We will continue to advocate at all levels, including meeting with lawmakers and other stakeholders, to ensure this information reaches everyone and that cancer care becomes more affordable,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Udeme, a public health advocate, spoke on cervical cancer prevention and the importance of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.

Udeme explained that the HPV vaccine is currently available for free at Primary Health Care Centres across Ogun State, targeting girls aged nine years.

“Parents can walk into any primary health care centre and their nine-year-old daughters can receive the vaccine for free,” he said.

He added that adults who wish to take the vaccine can do so after proper screening to confirm they are not already infected with the HPV virus, noting that vaccination for adults may attract charges in private hospitals.

Addressing concerns about vaccine safety, Udeme assured Nigerians that the HPV vaccine is safe and widely endorsed.

“The vaccines are very safe and trusted. Over two million girls have been vaccinated across Nigeria with no reported complications,” he said.

Health experts at the event stressed that activities such as the cancer awareness walk, community engagements, and continuous advocacy are crucial in reducing the burden of cancer in Nigeria.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, Ph.D,also received members of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Ogun State Chapter, led by their Secretary, Dr. Bolaji Lateef Salako, on a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters.

During the visit, the delegation sensitized the Commissioner of Police and members of the Management Team on cancer awareness, prevention strategies, and the importance of early detection.

CP Ogunlowo expressed appreciation for the visit and the hand of fellowship extended to the Command, noting that the engagement would be of great value in promoting health consciousness and preventive care among officers and the public.