Cancer survivor advocates regular screening, improved care

On Feb 27, 2024

A cancer survivor, Ms Olufunmilayo Akinade, says regular screening for early detection and access to various treatment options are critical to enhance cancer survival. Akinade, a stage four breast cancer survivor, disclosed this in an interview with the Newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos. She said cancer is not a death sentence, stressing that it can be treated if detected early.

“On Jan.6, 2020, I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer at the FMC Abeokuta. Due to denial and all sorts of things, I opted for supplements instead of treatment. By July of that same year, I fell sick, couldn’t breathe; I conducted various tests and the ultrasound test showed my lungs had collapsed because they were filled with water. I was later referred to the oncology centre and by then the test done on me showed that the cancer had advanced to stage four. I did eight cycles of chemotherapy. In 2021, it came back again, this time around, it had affected my bone; I was placed on another cycle of chemotherapy. Last year, another lump was discovered in the left breast, the initial one was in the right breast. Both cancers are different. The initial one was ER-negative, while the second was HE-negative. In all, I’ve had 16 chemotherapy sessions, I am still living, still walking about unaided. It hasn’t been easy but God has been faithful,” she said.

According to her, anyone that has cancer should boldly present themselves to a clinic where they can be promptly treated and monitored.

Akinade advised every woman above 40 years to embrace mammogram screening, maintain good diets and a healthy lifestyle.

She appealed to the government to improve access to cancer care, enhance investment in cancer treatment and research and boost public awareness on cancer prevention, screening and treatment.

The World Health Organisation data showed that globally there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths in 2022.

Over 35 million new cancer cases are predicted in 2050, a 77 per cent increase from the estimated 20 million cases in 2022.

NAN/Wumi