An oncologist and Medical Director of Jacaranda Cancer Centre, Abeokuta, Dr. Kehinde Ololade, has said that cancer is not a spiritual attack but a disease that can affect anyone, regardless of status, gender, or ethnicity.
Ololade stressed that early presentation remains crucial in combating the cancer scourge. He made this known on Thursday while speaking with journalists during a visit by the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, led by its Chairman, Dr. Adetokunbo Vaughan.
The oncologist described the visit as a sign of strong collaboration needed to tackle the growing burden of cancer in the country. However, he lamented that late presentation of cases, misconceptions about cancer as a spiritual problem, and the high cost of treatment remain major challenges to effective management.
“We have always said that early detection is key to survival. Most survivors are those who present early and receive appropriate treatment from qualified professionals in the right centres,” he said.
Ololade noted that denial often leads to delayed diagnosis, reducing chances of survival. He advised individuals to seek medical attention for warning signs such as lumps in the breast or armpit, unusual bleeding or discharge, and unexplained weight loss.
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He added that although cancer care is expensive globally, stronger government support—particularly in funding and equipping treatment centres—would significantly improve patient outcomes.
According to him, Jacaranda Cancer Centre manages over 300 patients annually, provides chemotherapy and side-effect management, and conducts community outreach programmes offering free cancer screening.
Speaking during the visit, MDCAN Chairman, Dr. Adetokunbo Vaughan, said the purpose of the visit was to strengthen collaboration in the fight against cancer. He emphasised that cancer is not a death sentence and is treatable when detected early.
Vaughan urged Nigerians to prioritise routine screening, noting that early diagnosis improves survival rates. He also identified inadequate personnel and infrastructure as key challenges in addressing cancer nationwide.
He commended Jacaranda Cancer Centre for helping to bridge these gaps through advocacy and free screening initiatives, which have contributed to early detection and reduced cancer burden.
Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, invade nearby tissues, and can spread to other parts of the body—a process known as metastasis. It is caused by genetic mutations that disrupt normal cell regulation, leading to tumour formation.
Diagnosis typically involves imaging, laboratory tests, and biopsies, while treatment depends on the type and stage of the disease and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.
