Breast cancer has claimed the unfortunate top spot as the leading cause of death among women in Nigeria, especially when it goes undetected and untreated, according to the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN).

During a Breast Cancer Sensitization event, Tolu Taiwo, the National President of BRECAN, expressed her concerns about the alarming prevalence of cancer, particularly breast cancer, in Nigeria.

She emphasized that even individuals in their 20s are now grappling with this disease, and many cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, making treatment difficult.

“Many more of such were detected late when the disease has advanced and could not be cured,” she said.
What she said
According to her, this situation led to the yearly “Jog for Life” campaign and the association’s various activities with market women, Primary Healthcare Centres, and schools.

“Now we have teenagers with lumps in their breasts, unlike before. Our message now is that if you detect anything early, you cry out early.
“And when you treat early, you will be fine,” she said. It should not be at a later stage which will only require palliative care.”