An oncologist has urged Nigerians to stop ignoring unusual changes in their bodies or keeping suspected cancer symptoms to themselves, warning that delaying medical attention can significantly reduce the chances of successful treatment.
The warning comes amid continuing concerns over late cancer diagnosis in Nigeria. Health experts say many patients only seek medical help when symptoms become severe, by which stage the disease may already have progressed.
President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Abidemi Omonisi, has previously stressed that fear, inadequate awareness and the high cost of treatment contribute to late presentation among cancer patients in Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to pay attention to warning signs including unexplained weight loss, persistent tiredness, unusual lumps, abnormal bleeding and persistent pain, advising people experiencing concerning symptoms to seek medical evaluation rather than waiting for them to become unbearable.
Medical experts have also warned against treating cancer as a spiritual problem or relying solely on traditional or unverified remedies. Early medical assessment can help determine whether symptoms are caused by cancer or another condition and allow appropriate treatment to begin when necessary.
Cancer specialist Kunle Odunsi recently stressed that cancer should no longer automatically be viewed as a death sentence because advances in medicine have improved the chances of preventing, detecting and treating many forms of the disease. He also highlighted the importance of screening and early detection.
However, access to cancer care remains a major challenge in Nigeria. Experts have pointed to shortages of treatment facilities, expensive medicines and limited numbers of oncology specialists as significant barriers facing patients.
Omonisi previously estimated that managing a cancer patient from diagnosis through stabilisation could cost millions of naira, placing treatment beyond the reach of many families. He also called for greater investment in cancer services and stronger awareness campaigns, particularly in rural communities.
Health professionals are therefore encouraging Nigerians to become more proactive about their health, undergo recommended screenings and report unusual symptoms promptly.
The message is that silence and delay should not be allowed to turn a potentially treatable condition into an advanced illness. Early consultation, proper diagnosis and timely treatment remain critical in improving outcomes for people living with cancer.
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