A consultant surgeon at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Prof. Olayide Agodirin, has raised concerns over the burden of breast cancer in Kwara State, disclosing that medical professionals see between two and four new cases weekly and warning that the disease may remain undetected for years.
Agodirin said breast cancer could remain at its earliest stage for three to seven years without producing a visible or palpable lump, underscoring the need for regular screening and early diagnosis.
He spoke on Wednesday at the 2026 Pink Kwara Breast Cancer Screening Campaign held at the Kwara State Banquet Hall, Ilorin, where organisers announced plans to provide free breast cancer screening for 1,000 women.
The campaign was organised in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady of Kwara State, the Ajike People Support Center and SHINE Medical Diagnostics as part of efforts to improve awareness, promote early detection and expand access to screening services.
Speaking on the prevalence of the disease, Agodirin said determining the actual number of breast cancer cases in Kwara and other parts of Nigeria remained difficult because many affected women did not present at hospitals for medical attention.
“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.
The surgeon explained that breast cancer progresses through five stages, from Stage 0, when the disease may not be detectable through physical examination, to Stage 4, when it can spread to distant organs, including the bones, brain and lungs.
He described the earliest stage as the most favourable point for treatment, noting that early diagnosis could improve treatment outcomes and, in some cases, make it possible to treat the disease without necessarily removing the affected breast.
Agodirin urged women not to wait until they discovered a lump before seeking medical attention, stressing that regular screening and monthly breast self-examination were important in identifying abnormalities early.
He also advised residents to adopt healthier lifestyles, avoid smoking and alcohol, and limit excessive consumption of fatty foods as part of broader efforts to reduce cancer risks.
Experts advocate regular breast examination
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Nursing at UITH, Mrs Juliet Adeshina, said breast screening was designed to identify abnormalities before they developed into more serious health problems.
She identified breast self-examination, clinical breast examination and diagnostic investigations, including ultrasound and mammography, as important components of breast health assessment.
Adeshina advised women who menstruate to examine their breasts three to five days after their periods, when the breasts are generally softer and less tender.
For women who no longer menstruate, she recommended choosing a fixed date each month to carry out the exercise.
She further encouraged women to examine their breasts in front of a mirror and report unusual changes to qualified health professionals promptly rather than conceal their findings out of fear or embarrassment.
“The era of hiding such discoveries is gone,” she said.
The nursing director's advice formed part of the campaign's broader message that greater awareness, open discussion and timely medical consultation could help women overcome barriers to early diagnosis.
First Lady announces subsidised cancer medicines
The First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, also emphasised the importance of early diagnosis, urging residents to take advantage of available screening opportunities.
She said detecting cancer early improved the chances of successful treatment and encouraged women to prioritise their health by seeking medical checks when necessary.
AbdulRazaq further disclosed that patients with confirmed cancer diagnoses enrolled under the Kwara Health Insurance Agency would have access to highly subsidised cancer medicines.
The announcement is expected to provide some financial relief for eligible patients, particularly those facing the high cost of cancer treatment and medication.
Pink Kwara convener recounts personal experience
The convener of Pink Kwara 2026, Dr Ramat Yushau Abdulkadir, said her personal experience with breast cancer had strengthened her commitment to raising awareness and improving access to screening services.
She recalled becoming frightened after experiencing breast pain as a young girl, particularly following the death of a close relative from the disease.
Abdulkadir said discussing her concerns with her mother helped her receive appropriate advice and take the necessary steps, an experience that reinforced the importance of open communication and timely guidance.
She lamented that many women continued to lack adequate information about breast cancer, while others were afraid to discuss changes in their breasts or faced financial and geographical barriers that prevented them from seeking medical advice.
The convener called for sustained public education to encourage women to pay attention to changes in their breasts and seek professional medical attention whenever they noticed anything unusual.
She stressed that improving access to reliable information and screening services was essential to addressing the challenges that often delay diagnosis.
Radiologist calls for healthier living
A radiologist at UITH, Dr Adeniji Rasheedat Bolanle, also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle as part of efforts to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
She encouraged women to take their breast health seriously, participate in screening programmes and seek professional advice when necessary.
The 2026 Pink Kwara campaign is expected to provide free screening opportunities for 1,000 women, while reinforcing public awareness of breast cancer, the importance of early detection and the need to address the financial and social barriers that can prevent women from accessing healthcare.
Health professionals at the event urged women to remain proactive about their health, noting that prompt medical evaluation of unusual breast changes could help identify problems early and improve access to appropriate treatment.