11/04/2026
BREAST CANCER IN NIGERIA: INSPIRING SURVIVORS VS FAILING SYSTEMS — ARE POLICIES KEEPING UP WITH THE NEED?
On April 10th at about 9:00 a.m., I was a virtual guest on RAPID 90.7FM, hosted by Onochie Onyekwena, where I spoke on the topic: “Inspiring Survivors vs Failing Systems: Are Policies Keeping Up With the Need?”
As a 29-year breast cancer survivor and long-standing advocate through the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), I addressed the persistent and heavy burden of breast cancer among Nigerian women. I emphasized that late presentation remains a major driver of mortality, often resulting in avoidable deaths.
I identified four key structural failures responsible for this reality:
* .Low health literacy and poor health-seeking behaviour
* Geographic barriers and long distances to primary healthcare centres (PHCs)
* Weak referral systems
* Financial barriers driven by out-of-pocket payments
To address these challenges, I strongly advocated for the establishment of functional Primary Health Centres in every community—not just at the ward level as is currently the case. Bringing PHCs closer to the people will significantly reduce distance barriers and improve access to care. More importantly, community-based PHCs can drive sustained public health education, which is critical for improving health-seeking behaviour and enabling informed decision-making across all disease conditions.
Despite ongoing awareness efforts, ignorance about breast cancer remains high. Many women still seek alternative remedies—often in churches or other informal settings—before presenting at hospitals, typically at advanced stages when treatment outcomes are poor. I noted that the healthcare system is not sufficiently patient-friendly. The cost of treatment is prohibitively expensive—not only for the average Nigerian but for most citizens. High treatment costs, combined with stigma, continue to discourage women from seeking timely care.
Reflecting on my personal journey, I shared that I was diagnosed in 1997 and received treatment at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. Rather than remain silent, I chose to channel my experience into advocacy by establishing BRECAN. For nearly three decades, the organization has championed breast health awareness, screening, patient support, advocacy, and research across seven state chapters.
A significant part of the discussion focused on gaps in Nigeria’s health policies. While some frameworks exist, funding for awareness, screening, treatment, and follow-up care remains grossly inadequate. Radiotherapy machines are scarce, chemotherapy is costly, and the National Health Insurance Scheme offers only partial and fragmented coverage. These systemic deficiencies mean that survival often depends on out-of-pocket spending, pushing many families into poverty.
On the role of government, I acknowledged that policies do exist, but stressed that implementation remains weak. Policies do not save lives unless they are adequately funded, effectively monitored, and rigorously enforced at both state and local levels. In the absence of comprehensive federal provision, I urged state governments to take greater responsibility for the health of their citizens. With genuine political will, meaningful change is achievable.
I cited Imo State as an example, highlighting the indomitable spirit of Ndigbo in community-driven development. I proposed a model where the state partners with communities by designing standard community health centres and challenging each community to build one. Given the strong culture of self-help and collective action, such an initiative would likely succeed.
In terms of solutions, I called for:
* Urgent policy review to prioritize cancer care in national and state budgets
* Expansion of health insurance to cover the full continuum of cancer treatment
* Strategic investment in diagnostic and treatment infrastructure
* Engagement of public health professionals in policy formulation and implementation
The direct cost of breast cancer treatment in Nigeria ranges between ₦5 million and ₦10 million—far beyond the reach of most Nigerians. Governments must confront this reality and develop policies that provide financial protection and improve access to care.
I also emphasized the importance of early detection and a positive mindset. Women must stay informed and take proactive steps toward their health. Governments, in turn, must invest in sustained awareness campaigns—leveraging primary healthcare systems as effective channels for public health education.
Furthermore, I stressed the importance of data. States must track key indicators such as incidence rates, mortality rates, survival outcomes, and stages at presentation. Without accurate data, effective planning and intervention remain impossible.
When asked, “What does survival mean to you?” my response was simple but firm:
“Breast cancer is not a death sentence.”
As a survivor of over 29 years who continues to thrive, I encouraged every woman facing a breast cancer diagnosis to see it as a battle that can be fought—and won.
--Dr. Betty Anyanwi-Akeredolu
Founder, Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN)
