A health communication researcher, Ifesinachi A. Ayogu, has attributed the rising cases of cancer-related deaths in Nigeria to poor public awareness and late presentation at health facilities.
Ayogu, a PhD student at the University of Oklahoma, United States, told journalists on Monday that the absence of clear, accessible information on cancer prevention and early detection had contributed significantly to avoidable deaths across many communities.
He said breast and prostate cancers remained among the most common cancers affecting Nigerians, noting that many patients only seek medical attention when the disease has reached advanced stages.
According to him, the increasing burden of cancer in the country calls for urgent, coordinated communication-driven interventions aimed at improving early detection and timely care-seeking.
“Early detection saves lives, but people cannot act on information they do not have,” Ayogu said.
He explained that late diagnosis was often linked to limited awareness of early warning signs, fear, stigma, and uncertainty about where to seek appropriate medical care.
Ayogu noted that many cancer deaths were preventable if individuals had access to accurate information and were encouraged to seek screening early.
“Cancer is not only a medical challenge; it is also a communication problem. When people do not understand symptoms, delay screening, or are unsure of referral pathways, the chances of survival drop significantly,” he said.
The researcher emphasised that cancer awareness efforts must extend beyond hospitals and reach communities through trusted platforms such as religious organisations, markets, women’s groups, and radio programmes.
He added that health professionals must be actively involved in public education to ensure that information shared with communities is accurate, ethical, and aligned with existing healthcare services.
Ayogu called on government agencies, healthcare institutions, and community organisations to collaborate in expanding cancer awareness campaigns and strengthening referral systems, especially in rural and underserved areas.
He stressed that improving communication around cancer prevention, screening, and care-seeking behaviour would play a critical role in reducing late presentation and improving survival outcomes in Nigeria.
Lack Of Cancer Awareness Fueling Late Diagnosis, Deaths –Researcher
A health communication researcher, Ifesinachi A. Ayogu, has attributed the rising cases of cancer-related deaths in Nigeria to poor public awareness and late presentation at health facilities.
Ayogu, a PhD student at the University of Oklahoma, United States, told journalists on Monday that the absence of clear, accessible information on cancer prevention and early detection had contributed significantly to avoidable deaths across many communities.
He said breast and prostate cancers remained among the most common cancers affecting Nigerians, noting that many patients only seek medical attention when the disease has reached advanced stages.
According to him, the increasing burden of cancer in the country calls for urgent, coordinated communication-driven interventions aimed at improving early detection and timely care-seeking.
“Early detection saves lives, but people cannot act on information they do not have,” Ayogu said.
He explained that late diagnosis was often linked to limited awareness of early warning signs, fear, stigma, and uncertainty about where to seek appropriate medical care.
Ayogu noted that many cancer deaths were preventable if individuals had access to accurate information and were encouraged to seek screening early.
“Cancer is not only a medical challenge; it is also a communication problem. When people do not understand symptoms, delay screening, or are unsure of referral pathways, the chances of survival drop significantly,” he said.
The researcher emphasised that cancer awareness efforts must extend beyond hospitals and reach communities through trusted platforms such as religious organisations, markets, women’s groups, and radio programmes.
He added that health professionals must be actively involved in public education to ensure that information shared with communities is accurate, ethical, and aligned with existing healthcare services.
Ayogu called on government agencies, healthcare institutions, and community organisations to collaborate in expanding cancer awareness campaigns and strengthening referral systems, especially in rural and underserved areas.
He stressed that improving communication around cancer prevention, screening, and care-seeking behaviour would play a critical role in reducing late presentation and improving survival outcomes in Nigeria.
