The call was made by popular health advocate and medical practitioner, Dr. Ademola Tosin Ojo, popularly known as DATO, during this week’s health talk programme on African Portal Radio/TV, hosted by Dare Olusan.
Dr. Ojo said increased public awareness and timely medical intervention were essential to reducing the impact of breast cancer, stressing that people should not ignore symptoms that could require medical attention.
During the programme, the medical practitioner focused on the importance of recognising possible early warning signs of breast cancer and understanding when professional medical attention should be sought.
He identified early detection, appropriate screening and regular medical consultations as important components of efforts to improve outcomes for people affected by the disease.
According to him, members of the public need to become more familiar with changes that may occur in the breast and should seek medical advice whenever such changes are noticed rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
He also encouraged women to understand the importance of regular breast examinations and recommended screening procedures, including mammograms where medically appropriate.
Early detection, he explained, can be critical in the management of breast cancer because identifying the disease at an earlier stage can provide patients with more treatment options and improve their prospects for recovery.
Dr. Ojo, however, warned against the widespread misconception that breast cancer is exclusively a woman’s disease.
He pointed out that men can also develop breast cancer and urged them to become more conscious of their breast health, particularly as they grow older.
Men above the age of 50, he stressed, should pay attention to unusual changes around the breast area and consult a medical professional when necessary.
The health advocate also identified public health education as a major tool in tackling preventable health complications. He noted that effective health education could encourage individuals to take greater responsibility for their well-being and reduce the tendency to postpone medical consultations.
He maintained that the weekly health talk programme was designed to promote health consciousness and provide members of the public with useful information that could help them make informed decisions about their health.
Dr. Ojo therefore encouraged Nigerians to make regular medical check-ups part of their health routine and to seek qualified medical attention whenever they notice symptoms or changes that cause concern.
He stressed that awareness, prevention and early detection remain important weapons in the fight against breast cancer and other major health challenges.
The African Portal Radio/TV weekly health programme continues to serve as a platform for discussions on health-related issues, providing listeners and viewers with access to medical information while promoting greater health awareness and healthier communities.