Expert Highlights Cancer Warning Signs, Risk Factors Nigerians Should Not Ignore
24th August, 2026 | News
A Clinical and Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Omolola Salako, has urged Nigerians to pay close attention to persistent or unusual changes in their bodies, stressing that early detection can significantly improve cancer treatment outcomes.
Speaking during a Naija Cancer Watch Fellowship session organised by Sebeccly Cancer Care, Salako identified unexplained weight loss, abnormal bleeding and new or growing swellings among warning signs that should be medically evaluated.
She explained that cancer symptoms vary depending on the type and location of the disease. In breast cancer, for instance, warning signs may include a lump in the breast, swelling around the armpit or collarbone, changes in breast appearance, skin redness or dimpling, and changes to the nipple.
For prostate cancer, she highlighted significant changes in urination, such as frequent urination, repeatedly waking at night to urinate, difficulty controlling urine and blood in the urine. Severe bone pain may also occur if the disease has spread.
However, Salako cautioned that these symptoms do not necessarily mean a person has cancer, as several other medical conditions can cause similar changes. She therefore advised people to seek proper medical assessment rather than self-diagnose.
She identified abnormal vaginal bleeding, including bleeding after sexual intercourse, between menstrual periods or after menopause, as an important warning sign of cervical cancer.
The oncologist also encouraged Nigerians to understand and reduce known cancer risk factors. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and air pollution contribute to cancer risk. Certain infections, including HPV and hepatitis B and C, are also linked to specific cancers.
WHO estimates that a significant proportion of cancers can be prevented through reducing exposure to known risk factors and adopting evidence-based prevention measures.
Salako further stressed that not all cancers cause obvious symptoms in their early stages. Some cancers, including certain kidney and liver cancers, may develop with few noticeable signs until they have advanced.
Health experts therefore continue to emphasise the importance of prevention, regular medical attention and early diagnosis. While unusual symptoms do not automatically indicate cancer, persistent or unexplained changes should not be ignored and should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.