An oncologist has urged Nigerians to make annual health screening a priority, warning that ignoring unusual symptoms could lead to preventable cancer deaths.
Dr Temitope Olatunji, a Radiation and Clinical Consultant at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ota, Ogun State, on Monday.
Her warning came a day after veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, died at 66 after battling stage-four cancer.
Olatunji said many Nigerians fail to seek medical attention when they notice unusual changes in their bodies.
“Many people don’t take their health seriously, and they don’t raise an early alarm when they discover strange symptoms or experience unusual things in their body systems,” she said.
She explained that regular screening could help doctors detect diseases early, when treatment is more likely to be effective.
“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,” Olatunji said.
The oncologist identified poverty as one of the major factors preventing Nigerians from undergoing regular medical checks and accessing timely treatment.
She also called on governments at all levels to intensify cancer awareness campaigns and educate Nigerians about warning signs, prevention 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 commended the Federal Government for introducing a health insurance programme designed to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.
However, she said more awareness was needed to ensure Nigerians know about and benefit from the scheme.
“We need to go further, by deepening the awareness level, this will enable members of the public to know that such programme exists,” she added.
She maintained that early detection and prompt treatment remain critical to reducing cancer deaths and the burden of the disease in Nigeria.
An oncologist is a medical doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating cancer. Depending on their specialty, oncologists may focus on chemotherapy and other drug treatments, radiation therapy or cancer surgery.
Ogogo’s death has renewed concerns about late-stage cancer diagnosis in Nigeria.
His family had reportedly appealed for medical assistance shortly before his death. The veteran actor was buried in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday.
