Breast cancer accounts for up to four new cases weekly in Kwara State, a consultant surgeon at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Prof Olayide Agodirin, has disclosed.
He warned that the disease could remain undetected for years before symptoms become apparent
Agodirin said breast cancer could remain in its earliest stage for three to seven years without a visible or palpable lump, making regular screening essential for early diagnosis and successful treatment
He spoke on Wednesday at the 2026 Pink Kwara Breast Cancer Screening Campaign held at the Kwara State Banquet Hall, Ilorin
The programme was in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady of Kwara State, the Ajike People Support Center and SHINE Medical Diagnostics
Organisers announced plans to provide free screening for 1,000 women
On the prevalence of breast cancer in Kwara State, Agodirin said it was difficult to determine the actual burden of the disease because only about half of those affected presented at hospitals
“It is difficult to examine the prevalence in this part of the world because only half of them come to the hospital
“But for Kwara, we see about two to four new cases every week and about 10 new cases monthly, in addition to the ones that are already on ground
“In Nigeria, one of the recent figures puts the number at over 300,000 women across the country Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in Nigeria, irrespective of sex, and the most common cause of death among women,” he said.
Explaining the progression of the disease, Agodirin said breast cancer had five stages, from Stage 0, when it might not be detectable through physical examination, to Stage 4, when it could spread to distant organs, including the bones, brain and lungs
He described Stage 0 as the most favourable time for treatment, explaining that the cancer could be successfully treated at that point without necessarily removing the affected breast
Agodirin urged women to undergo regular screening and monthly breast self-examination, warning against waiting until a lump appeared before seeking medical attention
He also advised people to maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid smoking and alcohol, and limit excessive consumption of fatty foods
Also speaking, the Deputy Director of Nursing at UITH, Mrs Juliet Adeshina, said breast screening was intended to identify abnormalities before they developed into serious health problems
She identified self-examination, clinical examination and diagnostic investigations, including ultrasound and mammography, as important components of breast screening
Adeshina advised women to examine their breasts three to five days after menstruation, when the breasts were generally softer and less tender
For women who no longer menstruate, she recommended selecting a fixed day every month for the exercise
She urged women to examine their breasts in front of a mirror and promptly report any unusual changes to health professionals rather than conceal their findings
“The era of hiding such discoveries is gone,” she said
The First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, said early diagnosis improved the chances of successful cancer treatment, urging residents to take advantage of available screening opportunities
AbdulRazaq also disclosed that patients with confirmed cancer diagnoses under the Kwara Health Insurance Agency would have access to highly subsidised cancer medicines
The convener of Pink Kwara 2026, Dr Ramat Yushau Abdulkadir, said her personal experience with breast cancer had shaped her commitment to raising awareness and improving access to screening
She recalled becoming frightened after experiencing breast pain as a young girl following the death of a close relative from the disease
She said the decision to discuss her fears with her mother helped her receive appropriate advice and take the necessary steps
She lamented that many women still lacked adequate information about breast cancer, were afraid to discuss changes in their breasts or struggled to seek medical advice because of financial and geographical barriers
She called for greater awareness to encourage women to pay attention to changes in their breasts and seek medical advice promptly when necessary
Dr Adeniji Rasheedat Bolanle, a radiologist at UITH, stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle as part of efforts to reduce the risk of breast cancer, while encouraging women to prioritise their breast health