Health experts have reiterated the call for increased regular self-breast examination to reduce the morbidity and mortality in breast cancer incidences, which remains one of the leading causes of deaths among Nigerian women.
Experts say breast cancer is not limited to only women, as some men also come down with the disease, They emphasised the need for every woman above the age of 40 to go for mammography. The practitioners made this disclosure at the Roche 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month Campaign, organised in collaboration with Health Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) to enhance public education and media reporting on breast cancer.
The collaboration was marked by a strategic capacity-building workshop for health journalists at the Cancer Centre of the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Lagos. The workshop was designed to equip journalists with the necessary tools to accurately inform the Nigerian public about the realities of breast cancer and the available care initiatives.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an initiative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), usually celebrated throughout the month of October, to create awareness, honour the millions of lives affected by breast cancer and reaffirm global commitment to equitable access to care and improved survival for all.
The theme for the 2025 celebration, “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters”, explains that behind every diagnosis is a story — of courage, resilience, and hope.
According to the WHO, “This theme reminds us that breast cancer touches the lives of women and their families around the world differently, and that every journey deserves compassion, dignity, and support. This year’s theme recognises the diversity of experiences and reinforces the need for compassionate, timely and quality care for all—regardless of geography, income or background.”
Speaking at the event, Pharm. Gilbert Ogbewele, marketing and business support Lead at Roche Nigeria, who represented the General Manager, Dr Ladi Hameed, said accurate information can make the difference between life and death.
“Roche is proud to partner with HEWAN, a critical stakeholder in preserving public health. Journalists play a vital role in educating Nigerians about the realities of breast cancer, debunking myths, and spreading awareness about the care initiatives available in the country,” Ogbewele said.
“You offer hope by arming citizens with knowledge that empowers them to act early and seek proper treatment,” he added.
A consultant radiation and clinical oncologist, Dr Samuel Otene, who is also the state chairman of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Benue Chapter, gave an expert overview of the disease burden. He identified late presentation, stigma, and inadequate access to screening as major challenges.
Fielding questions from journalists at the workshop, Professor Oliver Ezechi, director of research at NIMR, emphasised the need for women to familiarise themselves with the nature and size of their breasts, which will enhance their easy detection of any strange development in the breasts.
Ezechi, who is also a sexual and reproductive health expert lamented huge ignorance among women regarding their reproductive health, as most women do not know what to check for in their mammary glands, and at what time. “The ideal time for women to do a breast self-exam is right after their menstrual period, when the breasts are usually less swollen or tender. For women who are postmenopausal or have irregular cycles, it’s best to choose a specific day each month, such as the first day of the month, and stick to that schedule. Performing the exam regularly helps you get to know what’s normal for your breasts.”
The workshop also had a presentation on the Presidential Directive for Mandatory Health Insurance and its implications for transforming healthcare in Nigeria by Dr Amade-Agada, GM standards & quality assurance, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
A detailed briefing on the Africa Breast Cancer Ambition (ABCA), an ongoing mission by Roche and its partners to improve breast cancer care outcomes, was also presented.
