It was a moment of hope for cancer patients, survivors and family caregivers as a leading oncologist and healthcare innovator, Dr Omolola Salako, unveiled a book on the management of the ailment.

Salako, through her book, The Gifts of Survivorship: You Are Bigger Than Cancer,  provided a reflective and practical guide designed to help cancer patients, survivors and family caregivers navigate their journeys with strength, clarity and hope.

The book’s vision is to empower individuals to transcend the trauma of cancer, transforming a diagnosis into a catalyst for purpose and existential clarity.

The event, held in Lagos, brought together policymakers, healthcare leaders, development partners and cancer advocates, all aligned in a shared commitment to reshaping the conversation around cancer survivorship.

At the heart of the event were powerful testimonies from cancer survivors who worked closely with Dr Salako. Their stories, marked by courage and transformation, brought to life the core message of the book — that cancer, while life-altering, does not define the individual.

One of the most moving moments of the afternoon was hearing from two incredible survivors who read the pages that resonated most with their journeys.

“Survivorship is a shared journey, and these readings reminded us all why this mission matters,” Salako said.

Through its blend of evidence-based guidance, spiritual insight and real-life stories, The Gifts of Survivorship offers readers practical tools to manage treatment, navigate financial realities, strengthen family bonds, and cultivate inner peace.

Salako, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sebeccly Cancer Care, Oncopadi Technologies, and Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, described the book as a culmination of two decades of clinical experience, patient interaction and personal reflection.

The book’s vision is to empower individuals to transcend the trauma of cancer, transforming a diagnosis into a catalyst for purpose and existential clarity.

She highlighted the book’s mission of illuminating the dark path of cancer by ensuring millions read the message of hope for free, give back through purpose-driven action, and belong to a community where no one walks alone.

“Together, we help survivors transcend their diagnosis and embrace their highest existential potential,” she noted.

According to her, The Gifts of Survivorship: You Are Bigger Than Cancer introduces a structured five-part, 10-pillar framework covering spirituality, knowledge, support systems, treatment navigation and inner peace.

The goal, she explained, is to equip readers not only to build their cancer Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and survive but to rediscover purpose and joy beyond it.

She maintained: “This book was born from the real stories and experiences of real people. It is a reminder that even in the most difficult moments, there is strength, there is hope, and there is life beyond cancer.”

Chief Executive Officer of ACT Foundation, Osayi Alile, the Special Guest of Honour, highlighted the organisation’s long-standing support for Salako’s charitable work through Sebeccly Cancer Care.

She noted that the foundation’s sustained partnership over the years was rooted in a shared vision to improve cancer care access and patient outcomes across Nigeria.

She stated: “For us at ACT Foundation, we are proud to support the tireless work of Sebeccly Cancer Care in ensuring that survivors are not only treated, but also truly seen and heard. Survivors are not defined by what has happened to them, but by who they become.

This is why we must continue to champion and invest in comprehensive cancer care.”

Chief Launcher of the book, Dr Kola Adesina, who also serves as Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group and Board Chairman of Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, commended Salako’s unwavering commitment to transforming cancer care.

Represented by Dr Adebayo, the chief launcher described the book as a timely resource that bridges medical science with empathy and lived experience.

He noted: “What Dr Salako has done with this book is to bridge science and humanity. It reinforces the urgent need for awareness, early screening, and a healthcare system that truly puts people at the centre of care.”

As conversations around cancer care continue to evolve in Nigeria, Dr Salako’s latest work stands as both a practical guide and a timely call to action, reminding patients, caregivers and society at large that survivorship is not merely about staying alive, but about living well and with purpose.