Dr Temitope Olatunji, an oncologist, has advised Nigerians to promptly report any unusual symptoms in their bodies to help reduce cancer-related deaths.
Olatunji, a Radiation and Clinical Consultant at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), also urged Nigerians to embrace annual health screenings and regular check-ups to enable early detection and treatment of diseases.
“Many people don’t take their health seriously, and they don’t raise early alarm when they discover strange symptoms or experience unusual things in their body systems.
“With yearly screening and checkups, the hospital will be able to discover illnesses early and proffer early solutions. This will prevent unnecessary loss of life,” she said.
The oncologist identified poverty as a major factor preventing many people from undergoing regular health checks and treatment.
She called on governments at all levels to intensify public advocacy, mass education and awareness campaigns on cancer, its early detection and available treatment options.
“Nigerians must know that cancer exists; they must know that keeping quiet is dangerous, so early alarm is critical to treatment and survival,” she said.
Olatunji also commended the Federal Government for introducing a health insurance programme, saying it would help reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
She, however, called for greater awareness of the programme to ensure more Nigerians benefit from it.
Olatunji stressed that early detection and treatment were essential to saving lives and reducing the burden of cancer in the country.
