Dr. Mohammed Yakub Habeebu of the Medserve–LUTH Cancer Centre says nearly 40 percent of cancer cases in Nigeria are preventable, stressing the need for stronger public awareness, early detection, and improved screening to reduce cancer-related deaths.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Saturday to mark World Cancer Day, Dr. Habeebu explained that low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria carry a disproportionate cancer burden due largely to late presentation and preventable risk factors.
According to him, despite regular cancer awareness campaigns, the adoption of healthy habits that reduce cancer risk remains low, although public messaging is gradually improving awareness and health-seeking behavior.
Explaining the 2025–2027 World Cancer Day theme, “United by Unique,” Dr. Habeebu said it highlights the individuality of cancer cases and the shared hope of patients for cure, particularly in settings where social and economic challenges delay diagnosis.
He identified major barriers to early cancer detection in Nigeria as poverty, low education, stigma, inadequate manpower, limited infrastructure, and lack of routine screening services.
Dr. Habeebu noted that breast cancer is the most common cancer seen at the Medserve–LUTH Cancer Centre, accounting for about 30 percent of cases, followed by cervical cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.
He emphasized that early detection is the single most important factor in curing cancer, warning that many patients only seek medical help after symptoms appear, by which time the disease is often advanced.
Highlighting warning signs, he said breast cancer may present as a painless lump, nipple discharge, or skin changes, while cervical cancer often shows as post-menopausal or post-coital bleeding, and prostate cancer commonly causes urinary difficulty, back pain, or weight loss.
Dr. Habeebu stressed that screening can detect cancer even before symptoms appear, noting that breast self-examination, mammography, PSA testing for prostate cancer, and HPV vaccination for cervical cancer can significantly reduce mortality.
Addressing misconceptions, he rejected the belief that cancer is a death sentence, stating that most cancers can be cured if detected early, while even advanced cases can be managed to improve quality of life.
He identified socio-economic constraints, limited cancer centers, misinformation, and the migration of healthcare workers as major challenges to cancer care, but noted growing success stories, including reduced medical tourism and improved access to subsidized treatment through government programs.
Triumph Ojo
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