Former Ogun State First Lady, Olufunso Amosun, has urged women not to regard cancer as a death sentence, stressing that early detection and prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
Amosun made the call on Wednesday during the flag-off of the 2026 free breast and cervical cancer screening programme organised by the UPLIFT Development Foundation at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta.
She described the exercise as more than a routine medical check, saying it was aimed at providing women with access to early diagnosis and timely medical intervention.
Amosun, while highlighting the burden of breast cancer in Nigeria, cited Global Cancer Observatory data showing that the country recorded 32,278 new breast cancer cases and 16,332 deaths in 2022. The figures represent one of the highest breast cancer burdens on the African continent.
She stressed that the figures should reinforce the importance of regular screening and prompt medical attention, rather than create fear among women.
According to her, early detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes, particularly when patients receive appropriate care before the disease advances.
The World Health Organisation similarly identifies early diagnosis, timely clinical evaluation and access to comprehensive treatment as key measures for reducing breast cancer mortality. Its 2026 global survival estimates also found that survival is substantially higher where breast cancer is diagnosed at earlier stages.
Amosun urged women participating in the screening programme to take advantage of the opportunity, seek professional medical advice and avoid allowing fear to delay medical attention.
She also encouraged beneficiaries to share information about cancer awareness and screening with their families, friends and communities.
Reflecting on the foundation’s 2025 screening exercise, Amosun said more than 600 women benefited from the programme, while 22 women were identified with breast-related concerns requiring further medical attention.
She disclosed that 11 women diagnosed with suspicious breast lumps subsequently underwent free lumpectomy surgeries and received post-operative care funded by the foundation in November 2025.
Amosun said the UPLIFT Development Foundation, established in 2012, had continued to focus on cancer awareness, screening and support for women, widows and other vulnerable groups in Ogun State.
She said the foundation’s interventions were designed to extend beyond screening by helping women who require further medical investigations and treatment.
A Medical Consultant and Surgeon at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebenezer Nkom, also urged women to seek professional medical care whenever they notice changes or abnormalities in their breasts.
Nkom cautioned against relying on unproven remedies for breast cancer and stressed the importance of clinical evaluation and early treatment.
He also urged women not to allow fear of breast surgery to prevent them from seeking appropriate care, noting that reconstructive options can be considered where necessary.
Amosun further called on the women participating in the 2026 exercise to become advocates for cancer awareness in their communities.
She stressed that a cancer diagnosis does not automatically mean death, adding that awareness, early detection, appropriate treatment and follow-up care can improve the prospects of patients.
