Olufunso Amosun Urges Women to Prioritise Early Cancer Screening

Former Ogun State First Lady Olufunso Amosun has urged women not to regard cancer as a death sentence, stressing the importance of early detection and timely treatment.

Mrs Amosun made the call on Wednesday at the flag-off of the 2026 free breast and cervical cancer screening programme at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta.

She described the annual exercise as more than a routine medical check, saying it provides an opportunity for life-saving interventions and helps women gain timely access to healthcare.

Amosun, who highlighted the growing cancer burden in Nigeria, said breast cancer incidence in the country had increased by nearly 300 per cent over the past three decades.

Citing data from the Global Cancer Observatory 2022, she said Nigeria recorded 32,278 new breast cancer cases and 16,332 deaths, giving the country the highest reported burden on the African continent.

She, however, stressed that early detection remained one of the key measures for reducing cancer-related deaths.

According to Amosun, survival rates for patients diagnosed at an early stage can exceed 90 per cent, compared with less than 30 per cent for those diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Reflecting on the 2025 edition of the screening programme, the former first lady said more than 600 women benefited from the exercise, while 22 women were found to have breast-related concerns.

She said 11 women who were diagnosed with suspicious breast lumps subsequently underwent free lumpectomy surgeries and post-operative care funded by the UPLIFT Development Foundation in November 2025.

“Since inception in 2012, the UPLIFT Development Foundation has focused on cancer awareness, screening, and equipping local care facilities, alongside broader humanitarian efforts targeting women, widows, and vulnerable groups across Ogun State,” she said.

Amosun encouraged women participating in the 2026 programme to make preventive healthcare a priority and not allow fear to delay medical attention.

She also urged beneficiaries to spread awareness about cancer screening among their families, friends and communities.

“Cancer may be a serious health challenge, but with awareness, early detection and timely treatment, it does not have to be a death sentence,” Amosun said.

Speaking at the event, a Medical Consultant and Surgeon at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebenezer Nkom, advised Nigerians to rely on clinical evaluation rather than unproven remedies for suspected breast cancer.

Nkom warned against claims that breast sucking can cure cancer and urged women to seek medical attention whenever they notice unusual changes.

He also encouraged women not to allow fear of losing a breast to prevent them from seeking treatment, noting that reconstructive options may be available after surgery.

“You shouldn’t be afraid of losing your breast. It is when you are alive that you can talk about your husband’s appreciation of your beauty,” he said.

He added, “Some of you even think that when a man sucks your breast, you will be healed of cancer. That is not true. Go for regular screening, and whenever you notice anything unusual, see a doctor immediately.”