Debunking Myths About Cancer Screening in Nigeria: Separating Fact from Fiction

Cancer remains a major health concern in Nigeria, yet early detection through screening can significantly improve survival rates. Unfortunately, many Nigerians avoid screening due to misinformation, fear, and cultural beliefs. This reluctance often leads to late-stage diagnoses when treatment options are limited and less effective.

According to Dr. Emmanuel Iyere, Head of Diagnostic Services at BT Health and Diagnostics Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, early detection saves lives, emphasizing the need to invest in better screening programmes, improve medical infrastructure such as medical equipment provided by PPC Healthcare, and nationwide awareness campaigns.

This blog post will debunk common myths about cancer screening and set the record straight.

Myth 1: “If I Feel Fine, I Don’t Need a Cancer Screening”

Fact: Many cancers, including breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, do not show symptoms in their early stages. By the time symptoms appear, the disease may have already advanced, making treatment more difficult and expensive. Regular screenings help detect cancer early when treatment is more effective and less invasive.

Myth 2: “Cancer Screening is Too Expensive”

Fact: Many public hospitals and health initiatives offer free or subsidized screenings in Nigeria. In 2024, Kwara Govt Flags Off Free Breast, Cervical Cancer Screening. The Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria also organizes free cervical and breast cancer screening at the Federal Medical Center Abuja, and the Lagos state government offers a cervical cancer screening programme at various primary health care (PHC) centers in Lagos.

Myth 3: “Cancer Screening is Only for Older People”

Fact: Certain cancers, such as breast and cervical cancer, also affect young adults. 

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the most affected age group for breast cancer in Nigeria is 40-44 years. Cervical cancer cases are rising among women in their 20s and 30s

To reduce the risk of late detection, health experts recommend that women should start breast self-examinations from their 20s and get mammograms from age 40. Also, women should undergo regular Pap smears from age 25 to screen for cervical cancer.

Since cancer also affects men, they advise that men should get prostate cancer screenings from age 40, especially if they have a family history.

Myth 4: “Cancer Screening is Painful and Dangerous”

Fact: Most screenings are quick, non-invasive, and safe. Mammograms may cause slight discomfort but last only a few minutes while Pap smears are simple procedures that take less than 5 minutes and are crucial for detecting cervical cancer early. Screening for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) requires only a simple blood sample.

Early detection saves lives. Click here to read more. If you’ve never had a cancer screening or it’s been a while, now is the time to act.