Get Guardian on GoogleAs part of activities marking its 40th anniversary, Iwosan Lagoon Hospital has organised a breast cancer awareness walk aimed at promoting early detection, encouraging preventive healthcare and strengthening its commitment to the well-being of communities it serves.
The awareness walk, held on Saturday in commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, brought renewed attention to the growing burden of breast cancer in Nigeria and the need for increased public education, regular screening and timely access to medical care.
The event organised in collaboration with the Bricon Foundation, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting cancer patients and advocating for their rights, also sought to demystify the disease and encourage more Nigerians to take responsibility for their breast health.
Speaking during the exercise, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Iwosan Lagoon Hospital, Dr. Bisi Oyeniran, expressed concern over the increasing incidence of breast cancer in Nigeria, describing the disease as a major public health challenge requiring collective action.
According to him, the hospital’s participation in the annual awareness campaign reflects its longstanding commitment to community health and its belief that public enlightenment remains essential to reducing cancer-related deaths.
“October is designated worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and at Iwosan Lagoon Hospital, we have consistently participated in activities that create awareness and provide support for the communities we serve.
“Breast cancer is among the three leading cancers globally, and the situation in Nigeria is particularly alarming. In 2022, Nigeria recorded about 36,500 new cases of breast cancer, with approximately 16,000 deaths. This translates to about 45 deaths every day.
“The burden is enormous, and while breast cancer predominantly affects women, men are not completely exempt. It is a disease that deserves serious attention, especially because treatment is available and outcomes are significantly better when detected early,” he said.
Oyeniran stressed that early detection remained one of the most effective approaches to reducing breast cancer mortality, urging Nigerians to pay closer attention to unusual changes in their bodies and seek medical advice promptly.
He identified breast lumps, changes in breast appearance, unusual discharge and other abnormalities as warning signs that should not be ignored.
“People need to pay attention to their bodies. Whether it is a lump, a change in appearance, unusual pain or discharge, such signs should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional.
“When you come in contact with a medical caregiver, request a clinical breast examination. For younger women, ultrasound scans may be recommended, while mammography is particularly important for older women, depending on their age and individual risk factors.
“The most important thing is not to wait until the condition becomes advanced before seeking medical attention,” he advised.
Addressing concerns about the cost of breast cancer screening and treatment, the hospital chief maintained that basic awareness and early assessment were relatively affordable compared with the financial implications of managing advanced-stage cancer.
He explained that while breast self-awareness required no financial commitment, clinical examinations and appropriate screening services could provide opportunities for identifying abnormalities before they progressed.
“Being familiar with your breasts and noticing changes costs nothing. Clinical breast examinations and scans can also be relatively affordable. The cost of treatment, however, depends largely on the stage of the disease and the type of intervention required.
“This is why we continue to emphasise early detection. When cancer is discovered early, treatment is generally less complicated and the chances of successful outcomes are much higher. The more advanced the disease becomes, the more expensive and challenging its management may be,” he explained.
Oyeniran disclosed that Iwosan Lagoon Hospital had recorded encouraging outcomes in the management of cancer patients, attributing this to its investment in medical expertise, modern healthcare practices and patient-centred treatment.
He added that the hospital is offering Nigerians discounted breast screening services, including breast scans, mammograms and other diagnostic tests, as part of its commitment to promoting breast cancer awareness, encouraging early detection and supporting women’s health and well-being.
He commended the Bricon Foundation for its commitment to cancer awareness, patient support and advocacy, noting that partnerships between healthcare institutions and civil society organisations were crucial to addressing the emotional, social and financial challenges associated with cancer.
Reflecting on the hospital’s four decades of operations, Oyeniran described the anniversary as a celebration of trust, institutional growth and a sustained relationship with generations of families who have relied on the hospital for healthcare services.
“Forty years of Iwosan Lagoon Hospital is a story of caring for about three generations of families who have continued to trust us with their health.
“We are the only JCI-accredited hospital in Nigeria. We benchmark ourselves against global best practices and continually invest in our people because quality healthcare requires both competent professionals and strong systems.
“Our clinical outcomes and commitment to excellence have continued to distinguish us. Beyond celebrating our achievements, this anniversary provides another opportunity to reaffirm our responsibility to the communities we serve,” he stated.
Also speaking, a Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at Iwosan Lagoon Hospital, Dr. Olawole Oluyede, explained that breast cancer develops when abnormal cells in the breast multiply uncontrollably and acquire the ability to invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body.
He described the disease as the most common cancer among women globally and a leading cancer affecting women in Nigeria, stressing that its high prevalence should not be mistaken for an automatic death sentence.
“Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the breast and begin to grow uncontrollably, with the potential to invade other parts of the body.
“It is the most common cancer among women worldwide and the leading cancer among women in Nigeria. Globally, close to 700,000 deaths were recorded from breast cancer in a recent reporting period.
“These figures are disturbing, but the message we want people to take away from this awareness walk is that breast cancer can be successfully treated, and in many cases cured, when detected early. There are numerous survivors whose experiences demonstrate the importance of timely medical intervention,” Oluyede said.
The oncologist emphasised that advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment had improved the prospects of survival, particularly for patients who present at health facilities before the disease progresses to advanced stages.
He noted that access to experienced medical professionals and coordinated treatment remained critical to achieving favourable outcomes.
“At Iwosan Lagoon Hospital, we have oncologists and surgeons with the expertise and experience required to manage breast cancer and other related conditions.
“Our objective is to ensure that patients receive appropriate medical attention, accurate diagnosis and the best possible treatment based on their individual conditions.
“We want Nigerians to understand that discovering a breast lump or receiving a cancer diagnosis should not automatically lead to despair. What matters is taking the right steps early and accessing qualified medical care,” he added.
Through its partnership with the Bricon Foundation, Iwosan Lagoon Hospital hopes to strengthen community engagement, expand access to credible health information and encourage a culture of proactive healthcare among Nigerians.
The exercise formed part of the hospital’s 40th anniversary activities, underscoring its commitment to extending healthcare beyond hospital walls through preventive health campaigns, public education and community-focused interventions.
For the hospital, the anniversary represents not only four decades of healthcare delivery but also an opportunity to deepen its role in confronting emerging health challenges and promoting healthier communities.
