08/25/2026
Health Awareness Tip
YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS BELONG TO YOU
In the last three weeks, every woman battling cancer who has reached out to me, especially those from outside Lagos, has told me the same thing: “My test results are on the hospital system.”
Please note that you have a right to request and keep photocopies or digital copies of your test results and relevant treatment records. Do not depend entirely on a hospital’s system to preserve your medical history.
Keep copies of your blood tests, scans, biopsies, pathology reports, Pap smear results, treatment summaries, prescriptions and other important medical records. Keep them safely in a folder and, where possible, have digital copies on your phone or email.
When a hospital or doctor knows that you will request copies of your investigations and treatment records, it also encourages proper documentation and thoroughness in your care.
This is especially important for cancer patients. You may need to change hospitals, consult another specialist, travel outside your city, seek a second opinion or continue treatment somewhere else. Your medical history should travel with you.
And please understand this: some NGOs may not give you cash to support treatment, but they may support you with medical supplies, drugs, investigations or other forms of assistance. Having your medical records readily available can make it easier to establish your diagnosis, treatment needs and eligibility for support.
Don't wait until you need your records before you start looking for them.
Your health records are part of your health journey.
Keep them. Protect them. Back them up.
MY Body My Asset Cancer Foundation says: KEEP COPIES OF ALL YOUR TEST RESULTS FOR YOUR PERSONAL RECORDS.
