A Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Dr Temitope Olatunji, has urged Nigerians not to ignore unusual changes in their bodies, warning that delaying medical attention could reduce the chances of successful cancer treatment.
She stressed the importance of early detection and timely treatment in reducing cancer-related deaths.
She said many people fail to seek medical attention when they notice unusual symptoms, either because they do not take the signs seriously or because of financial difficulties.
“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,” Olatunji said.
The oncologist advised Nigerians to embrace regular medical check-ups, saying yearly screening could help healthcare professionals detect illnesses at an earlier stage and provide appropriate treatment.
“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.
Olatunji specifically urged Nigerians to understand that cancer is a real health condition and should not be concealed because of fear, stigma or misconceptions.
“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.
Her comments came a day after the death of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who died at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer.
Ogogo’s death has renewed public discussion about cancer awareness and the importance of early diagnosis. His family had publicly appealed for medical assistance in the days before his death, while he was reportedly receiving treatment for advanced cancer.
The oncologist identified poverty as one of the major factors preventing Nigerians from undergoing regular health checks and accessing treatment when necessary.
She called on federal, state and local governments to strengthen public education and awareness campaigns on cancer prevention, early detection and available treatment options.
Olatunji also welcomed the Federal Government’s health insurance initiatives, saying improved coverage could help reduce the financial burden associated with seeking medical care.
However, she stressed that greater awareness was needed to ensure that members of the public knew about available health insurance programmes and could take advantage of them.
Cancer encompasses a wide range of diseases, and the symptoms, screening recommendations and treatment options differ depending on the type of cancer.
Early detection can, however, improve treatment prospects for many cancers. The World Health Organisation has similarly emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and timely access to appropriate treatment in reducing cancer mortality.
Olatunji’s warning therefore highlights the importance of seeking professional medical advice when unusual or persistent symptoms occur rather than relying on self-medication or waiting for the condition to worsen.
She also called for sustained investment in cancer awareness, screening, diagnosis and treatment services to help reduce preventable deaths in Nigeria.
The oncologist’s message comes as tributes continue to pour in for Ogogo, whose death has prompted renewed conversations about cancer, late presentation and the need for Nigerians to take their health more seriously.
