Each October, people post pink ribbons online, light buildings pink, and organizations run campaigns to raise breast cancer awareness. Yet beyond the symbols and awareness messages lies a more important responsibility: ensuring that women understand the disease, recognize its warning signs, and seek medical attention without allowing fear to stand in the way.
A couple of years ago, I had a personal experience that made me appreciate just how important this subject is. I had a breast screening, and a clinician advised that some findings required further observation. During the process, I met a doctor who was rather quick to suggest that the lumps I felt could be cancerous. I remember how unsettling that was.
However, when I eventually saw another doctor, his reaction was quite different. He was visibly disappointed that a suggestion of cancer had been raised simply from looking at the scan without further investigation. He explained that changes in breast texture and the presence of lumps are not unusual in women in their 40s, and a proper assessment was necessary before concluding. Thankfully, further investigation revealed nothing sinister.
That experience stayed with me because it highlighted two equally important responsibilities in breast health. Women must not ignore unusual changes or avoid medical examinations out of fear. But healthcare professionals must also recognize the weight their words carry. A suggestion of cancer can be emotionally devastating, particularly when made without sufficient evidence. Medical professionals must be thorough, objective and compassionate, explaining findings carefully and recommending appropriate investigations before concluding. Women deserve competent medical care and responsible communication.
Breast cancer is not a distant health concern that affects other women. It affects our mothers, sisters, daughters, friends, and sometimes ourselves.
The World Health Organization reports that physicians diagnosed 2.4 million women with breast cancer worldwide in 2024, and about 694,000 died from the disease. In Nigeria, IARC’s GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates recorded approximately 32,278 new cases and 16,332 deaths. Breast cancer remains the leading cancer among Nigerian women.
Understanding the warning signs
Breast cancer develops when abnormal cells in breast tissue grow uncontrollably and may spread to other parts of the body. Although it predominantly affects women, men can also develop the disease.
Age, inherited genetic mutations, family history, certain hormonal factors, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and excess body fat, particularly after menopause, can influence risk. However, many women diagnosed have no identifiable risk factor apart from being female and growing older.
Women should become familiar with the normal appearance and feel of their breasts. Never ignore a new lump or thickening, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, a newly inverted nipple, unusual nipple discharge, or swelling in the armpit.
Not every breast lump is cancer. Many are caused by benign conditions such as cysts and fibroadenomas. However, the absence of pain does not mean a lump is harmless. Seek medical assessment promptly rather than waiting for it to grow or become painful.
Screening is an investment in your health.
Mammography uses low-dose X-rays to identify abnormalities you may not yet feel. Screening recommendations vary according to age and individual risk, so women should discuss the appropriate schedule with their healthcare providers.
Breast self-awareness is valuable, but checking your breasts at home is not a substitute for recommended screening. Equally, a normal screening result should not discourage you from investigating a new change.
For Nigerian women, identifying a reputable hospital or breast clinic and discussing available screening options is a practical starting point. Early detection creates opportunities for timely treatment and better outcomes.
From a Stage IV diagnosis to 16 years of survival
Beyond statistics, individual stories help us understand the realities of breast cancer in Nigeria. I spoke with Ethel Olomu, a survivor and advocate with Engraced Life Foundation, who shared her personal experience and insights from supporting other women through their cancer journeys.
Ethel’s story is remarkable. In 2010, symptoms took her from one hospital to another for almost a year. Despite several consultations and procedures, she received inconclusive results and reassurances. Eventually, a sample was sent abroad for further investigation, and she was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer.
By then, the cancer had spread to vital organs. She was given approximately three weeks to live. Doctors were initially reluctant to take on her case because of how advanced the disease was. Eventually, a doctor in the United States agreed to treat her.
Today, 16 years later, Ethel is still here.
She describes herself as a long-term Stage IV breast cancer survivor rather than someone who became cancer-free in a particular year. She attributes her journey to access to medical treatment, a doctor willing to take on her case, her faith in God, and the support of loved ones. Becoming an advocate also gave her experience a deeper purpose: helping other women seek medical attention and make informed decisions.
The Nigerian reality: Beyond diagnosis
Ethel’s experience reflects some of the challenges facing women with breast cancer in Nigeria. She identifies late presentation, delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, inadequate diagnostic facilities, limited access to specialists and the high cost of treatment as major obstacles.
Some women recognize changes in their breasts but delay seeking help because of fear, stigma, misinformation, and cultural beliefs. Others visit several hospitals before receiving an accurate diagnosis. For many families, treatment costs are overwhelming, forcing some patients to interrupt or abandon care.
A significant gap also exists in emotional and psychosocial support. Ethel believes patient navigation, counseling, financial assistance, and survivor support networks are essential.
She also makes an important point about survival: it is not determined by how strong, positive or prayerful someone is. The stage and biology of the cancer, timely diagnosis, access to appropriate treatment and continuity of care all influence outcomes. Some women do everything possible and still lose their lives. Nobody should be blamed for their outcome.
Fear should never have the final word.
Perhaps one of the greatest barriers to early detection is the fear of knowing. Some women avoid examinations because they are frightened of discovering cancer. Others worry about treatment costs, losing a breast, chemotherapy or becoming a burden to their families.
But avoiding a diagnosis does not prevent disease progression. A breast cancer diagnosis is serious, but it is not automatically a death sentence. Treatment may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or targeted medicines, depending on the type and stage of the disease.
Although not all breast cancers can be prevented, engaging in regular physical activity, keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and eating healthily reduce the risk. These measures support overall health but do not replace screening.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, let us remember that awareness must extend beyond October. Encourage the women around you to attend appropriate screenings, investigate unusual changes, and seek help without delay.
Ethel’s message to women is simple: don’t let fear, stigma, or misinformation stop you from seeking medical attention.
As she puts it, “Cancer is a phase, not a full stop.”
Let us make early detection, access to treatment, and compassionate support part of our everyday approach to women’s health. Every woman deserves the opportunity to seek help, receive appropriate care, and hold on to hope.
Thank you for reading.