Experts push breast cancer awareness as cases rise among young women - Punch Newspapers

Healthcare professionals have expressed concerns over the increasing occurrence of breast cancer among younger women and called for increased awareness, regular breast checks and healthier lifestyle choices to promote early detection and ensure successful treatment.

They stressed that breast cancer education should extend beyond annual awareness campaigns, encouraging women to become familiar with their breasts, recognise unusual changes and seek prompt medical attention.

They also called for stronger collaboration among healthcare providers, organisations and communities to improve access to breast health education, screening and early diagnosis among younger women.

The experts made this known during the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month commemoration organised by Feet2Fit Integrative Health Wellness Limited in partnership with CFG Africa at Lekki Phase One, Lagos.

The event, themed “Sharing Data, Fostering Preventive Care and Early Detection,” brought together health professionals to discuss breast health, risk factors, preventive care and the importance of medical assessment.

Furthermore, the speakers called for sustained public education to address misinformation, reduce fear surrounding screening and encourage people to take responsibility for their health.

PUNCH Healthwise reports that breast cancer is the most common cancer and leading cause of cancer death among women in Nigeria, accounting for 49.3 per cent of all new female cancer diagnoses according to data from the Global Cancer Observatory Nigeria Fact Sheet.

Speaking at the event, a Radiologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Dr Damilola Adeyemo, cautioned that not every breast lump was cancerous, noting that some could result from benign conditions such as cysts, fibroadenomas and abscesses. She, however, advised women to have every unusual lump properly evaluated.

Adeyemo, who spoke on the topic, “Be Breast Aware, Be Health Aware,” also dispelled the misconception that breast cancer only affects people with a family history of the disease, explaining that individuals without such a history could also develop it. She added that men were not exempt from the disease, although it was less common among them.

The radiologist warned that breast cancer did not always present as an obvious lump, as some abnormalities could appear as non-mass lesions and be detected through imaging.

“Not all breast cancers present as obvious lumps. Some abnormalities may appear as non-mass lesions and may not produce the usual signs people associate with breast cancer,” she said.

She identified changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge, skin changes, persistent pain and unusual swelling as signs that should not be ignored.

Adeyemo explained that breast self-examination should help women become familiar with their breasts and recognise changes, but should not replace clinical assessment or recommended screening.

“The purpose of breast self-examination is to become familiar with your breasts so that you can recognise when something changes,” she said.

She also discussed breast density, benign breast conditions and the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, which helps classify imaging findings and guide decisions on further assessment, follow-up or biopsy.

Medical Director of Feet2Fit Integrative Health Wellness Limited, Dr Elizabeth Falabi, expressed concern about the increasing occurrence of breast cancer among younger women, stressing the need to make preventive healthcare a priority.

Falabi said the awareness programme was designed to improve understanding of early diagnosis and healthy living, noting that lifestyle choices, including nutrition, exercise and stress management, were important to overall health.

“As I mentioned earlier, the prevalence among young adults and adolescents is also rising rapidly. I want people to understand that living a healthy lifestyle and embracing early diagnosis can make a significant difference,” she said.

She observed that fear often discouraged people from undergoing medical checks because they preferred not to know their health status.

“Sometimes, people are afraid of going for screening because they do not want to know their health status. However, knowing early gives you a better opportunity to begin treatment promptly,” Falabi said.

She urged women to seek professional advice on appropriate breast screening based on their age, individual risk factors and medical history. She also encouraged regular physical activity, healthier food choices and attention to changes in the body.

Fitness enthusiast, Mrs Mobolaji Edward, also urged women to make physical activity a consistent part of their routines rather than waiting until they experienced health challenges.

Edward identified walking, aerobics, tennis and gym exercises as activities people could incorporate into their lifestyles, depending on their fitness levels. She also highlighted the importance of remaining physically active before and during menopause.

A Registered Dietitian, Oluwajomiloju Asagidigbi, who spoke on “Nutrition for Breast Health: Food Choices That Support Prevention,” said dietary habits could influence factors associated with breast cancer risk.

She explained that excess body fat could affect hormonal balance, including oestrogen levels, while unhealthy dietary patterns could contribute to inflammation and other metabolic changes.

Asagidigbi recommended fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fibre-rich foods and sources of omega-3 fatty acids, while advising participants to limit highly processed foods, sugary drinks, processed meats and fried meals.

“Food is a risk factor that we can address through better choices, one meal at a time,” she said.

She, however, cautioned against relying on a particular food or supplement to prevent cancer, stressing that healthy eating should be combined with physical activity, adequate sleep and appropriate medical checks.

Global Markets Analyst at CFG Africa, Anjolaoluwa Boluwajoko, said the organisation partnered with Feet2Fit because of its commitment to promoting women’s health and well-being.

She explained that the partnership reflected CFG Africa’s interest in supporting initiatives addressing issues affecting women, adding that the organisation hoped to extend the programme’s impact to its clients, vendors, employees and surrounding communities.

“Today’s programme is just the first step, and we are committed to expanding the initiative,” Boluwajoko said.

She added, “We want to be known as an organisation that consistently advocates for women’s health, women’s rights and their general well-being.

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