Experts and survivors have called on Nigerians to prioritise early diagnosis and provide social support for cancer patients, stressing that timely detection and community backing are crucial to improving survival outcomes.

The appeal was made during the Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre (MRCC) 2026 Walk Against Cancer, organised to mark World Cancer Day. The awareness walk spanned five kilometres from the State House, Marina, to the MRCC facility, attracting participation from government officials, Lagos State health authorities, and other stakeholders.

Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of MRCC and Specialist Hospital, Prof. Modupe Elebute-Odunsi, said the campaign aligns with global World Cancer Week activities under the ongoing three-year theme, “United by Unique,” which runs until 2027. She explained that the theme recognises the individuality of cancer patients’ experiences while promoting collective action against the disease.

According to Elebute-Odunsi, cancer is not a death sentence, citing survivors who have returned to normal life after treatment. She emphasised that early presentation at health facilities is key, particularly for individuals aged 40 and above, and urged younger people to seek medical attention if they notice unusual symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent wounds, abnormal bleeding, or lumps.

She disclosed that MRCC has treated nearly 6,000 patients over the last five years and runs a support network called the Marcelle Ruth Friends, which currently has more than 400 members, many of whom have successfully resumed normal lives.

She further stressed that cancer could affect anyone, children, adults, men, and women, and explained that while some cancers have genetic or family links, others are influenced by risk factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and infections, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Elebute-Odunsi highlighted ongoing efforts in Nigeria to vaccinate children against HPV to help eliminate cervical cancer. She added that increasing age remains the biggest risk factor for cancer globally and urged people to adopt healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, avoidance of tobacco, limited alcohol consumption, and vaccination where applicable.

She stressed that consultation with qualified medical doctors is essential, warning that online health information cannot replace professional diagnosis and treatment.

Addressing stigma, she said cancer patients should not be isolated and noted that social support is vital, as its absence sometimes leads patients to abandon treatment.

On financial barriers, Elebute-Odunsi noted that cost remains a major challenge for accessing cancer treatment and encouraged Nigerians to enrol in health insurance schemes such as Ilera Eko Health Insurance.

The Chairman of MRCC and Specialist Hospital, Bolaji Odunsi, likened routine medical examinations to car servicing and emphasised that people must “service” their bodies yearly to maintain good health.

He commended government efforts in establishing new cancer centres and improving services over the past two years and urged Nigerians to seek medical attention promptly if they notice unusual symptoms, noting that early consultation improves the chances of effective treatment and recovery.

Ogun State cultural ambassador, Farooq Oreagba, popularly known as “Mr Steeze,” during the walk, called on Nigerians to prioritise regular health checks, stressing that early detection can prevent cancer or make it more treatable.

Reflecting on his personal experience, Oreagba said he was diagnosed 12 years ago and underwent chemotherapy for eight years.

He credited his survival to early detection, despite showing no symptoms at the time, and urged routine tests such as periodic blood tests and yearly scans.

He also appealed to authorities to make cancer screening more affordable and emphasised the importance of public awareness, noting that health should always come first despite Nigeria’s many challenges.