- Olatunji urged Nigerians to seek medical attention when they notice unusual symptoms
- She stressed that regular screening and early treatment can improve cancer survival
- Olatunji also called for greater public awareness and improved access to healthcare and health insurance
An oncologist, Dr Temitope Olatunji, has urged Nigerians to seek medical attention whenever they notice unusual changes in their bodies, warning that delayed action can increase the risk of cancer-related deaths.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Olatunji, a Radiation and Clinical Consultant at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ota, Ogun State, on Monday.
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She also encouraged Nigerians to make routine medical screening and health checks part of their lifestyle, noting that regular examinations can help detect diseases at an early stage when treatment is more effective.
According to her, many people ignore warning signs or postpone seeking medical help until their conditions become severe.
She said early reporting of unusual symptoms gives healthcare professionals a better opportunity to identify illnesses and begin appropriate treatment before they become life-threatening.
Olatunji identified poverty as one of the major barriers preventing many Nigerians from accessing regular screening and medical care.
She therefore called on governments at all levels to intensify public awareness campaigns on cancer, its warning signs, early detection and available treatment options.
The oncologist stressed that Nigerians should understand that cancer is treatable in many cases when detected early, adding that ignoring unusual symptoms could reduce the chances of survival.
She also commended the Federal Government for introducing health insurance initiatives, saying broader access to such programmes could reduce the financial burden of medical treatment on individuals and families.
However, she urged authorities to increase public awareness about the availability of health insurance so that more Nigerians can benefit from the schemes.
Olatunji maintained that early detection and prompt treatment remained critical to reducing cancer-related deaths in the country.
Her warning comes amid renewed public attention to cancer following the death of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66 after reportedly battling stage-four cancer.
His family had appealed publicly for financial assistance for his treatment shortly before his death. His remains were later taken to his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, where he was buried on Monday.
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