Prof. Stanley Anyanwu, a Professor of Surgery (Surgical Oncology) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Awka, has called on women to report early signs of breast cancer, emphasizing that timely detection is critical to survival.
He made the remarks during the Second Jubilee Academic Lecture (JAL) at Unizik on Thursday. The JAL is a distinguished event in which academics with over 25 years of professorial service deliver lectures while remaining actively engaged in their fields. This marked the second edition of the lecture at the university.
Speaking on the theme, “Silver Reflections, Golden Horizons: One Surgeon’s Lifesaving Legacy in Pioneering Breast Cancer Research and Care in Nigeria,” Prof. Anyanwu highlighted the barriers that prevent women from seeking early medical attention. He stressed that early presentation significantly improves treatment outcomes.
“If you present yourself early, we will treat you because it reduces the risk, but if you present late, there is nothing we can do about it,” he said.
Prof. Anyanwu identified several factors contributing to late presentation among African women, including misinterpretation of symptoms, fear of a cancer diagnosis, reliance on alternative and complementary medicine, and influence of social networks. He also pointed to mistrust in conventional healthcare, limited access due to physical or economic barriers, and beliefs linking disease to spiritual causes. Poverty, illiteracy, deceit by quacks, and occasional missed diagnoses by some doctors further exacerbate delays in seeking treatment.
On the symptoms of breast cancer, Prof. Anyanwu noted that fewer than one percent of patients are diagnosed through routine screening. Most women present with breast masses, pain, or nipple discharge. Other warning signs that may aid early detection include cough, shortness of breath, back pain, weight loss, chest pain, and jaundice.
Addressing solutions, Prof. Anyanwu urged a comprehensive approach to tackling breast cancer. He emphasized the need for government investment in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system, encouraging innovation and teamwork among clinicians, and fostering compassion among young surgeons alongside scientific expertise. He also called on society to break the silence surrounding breast cancer and highlighted the vital role of ongoing research in combating the disease.
“Finally, research and continuous study can help overcome the problem of breast cancer,” he concluded.
