A male breast cancer survivor, Mr Jacob Omonade, has called for increased public awareness of male breast cancer and improved access to diagnosis and treatment, saying ignorance, stigma and inadequate healthcare infrastructure continue endangering lives.
Omonade made the call in an interview on the sidelines of the 2026 Cancer Survivors Gathering, themed “Hope Beyond the Battle,” in Abuja.
The event was organised by the Okapi Children Cancer Foundation (OkapiCCF) to celebrate survivors, inspire patients and strengthen advocacy for improved cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support services across Nigeria.
Omonade described his cancer journey as physically, emotionally and financially draining, noting that many people remained unaware that men could also develop breast cancer, leading to delayed diagnosis and support.
According to him, the widespread misconception surrounding breast cancer contributed significantly to delayed diagnosis, inadequate support systems and poor understanding of the disease among male patients nationwide.
“People think breast cancer is a disease that affects only women. When a man is diagnosed with it, many people do not take it seriously because awareness is very low,” he said.
Omonade said he discovered a tiny lump beneath his right nipple about eight years ago but ignored it because he had never heard of male breast cancer before.
He said the lump continued to grow until he sought medical attention, adding that he was eventually diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2024 after undergoing medical examinations.
The survivor said financing his treatment was difficult, while many people he approached for assistance assumed that a cancer diagnosis automatically meant death and offered little encouragement.
“Cancer treatment is not cheap. There are financial, emotional, psychological and social challenges.
“Some people simply write you off once they hear you have cancer because they believe there is no hope,” he said.
Omonade said his experience inspired him to become an advocate for male breast cancer awareness through social media campaigns, public engagements and music aimed at educating citizens.
He said he produced a song titled “Stay Strong” and featured himself bare-chested in its video to demonstrate that men could also develop breast cancer and encourage early detection.
The survivor urged men to seek prompt medical attention whenever they noticed unusual symptoms, especially breast lumps, emphasising that early diagnosis could significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival.
Omonade also called on government to strengthen cancer care by expanding access to diagnostic equipment, particularly CT scanners, to reduce delays associated with diagnosis and treatment nationwide.
According to him, cancer is a time-sensitive disease and prolonged waiting periods for essential investigations could negatively affect treatment decisions, disease progression and patients’ chances of survival.
“Sometimes patients wait for weeks just to access a CT scan because of limited equipment and the high number of people requiring the service. These delays can make a significant difference in cancer treatment,” he said.
The survivor further urged government and relevant stakeholders to intensify nationwide awareness campaigns on male breast cancer, saying many men remained unaware that they were also at risk.
He expressed willingness to participate in public awareness campaigns to help dispel misconceptions surrounding the disease, encourage early medical intervention and improve outcomes for affected patients.
According to him, improving awareness, reducing stigma and strengthening access to timely diagnosis and treatment will save more lives and improve cancer outcomes across Nigeria.
