Experts push against late cancer diagnosis in South East

From Jude Chinedu, Enugu

Health professionals have renewed calls for stronger cancer awareness and early diagnosis across the South East, warning that late presentation remains a major cause of preventable deaths among patients.

They spoke during a scientific programme on breast cancer awareness organised by Health Focus Diagnostic Centre, Enugu,.

The event brought together doctors, researchers, and health advocates who agreed that widespread awareness and routine screening remain vital to reducing the cancer burden in the South East and in Nigeria.

The Director of Health Focus Diagnostic Nigeria, Dr. Gerlinde Reiprich, in a welcome address, said the centre was building a tradition of regular scientific exchange with doctors and community outreach to promote early detection. “We began in May with a symposium on antimicrobial resistance; today, in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we turn to a disease where timely action saves lives. Our shared challenge is late presentation. The remedy is informed, routine screening and swift, evidence-based management.”  Dr. Reiprich explained that the centre provides mammography, breast ultrasound, tumour marker tests, and is finalising the setup of immunohistochemistry for accurate breast cancer typing.

“Cancer is not a death sentence. If patients come earlier, something can be done. That’s why we’re taking awareness to the community,” she emphasised.

National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control and Nuclear Medicine Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Uchechukwu Nwokwu, identified low awareness, both among the public and health workers, as a major challenge.

“Even with all the activities in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the awareness among health workers themselves is still low. Some still keep suspected cancer patients without proper referral. Early diagnosis is key—when detected at stages one or two, treatment can cure it.”

Dr. Nwokwu added that the government is upgrading six cancer treatment centres across Nigeria every year for the next five years to expand access to care.

Centre Manager of Oncoclinics Africa (South East and South South), Dr. Etima John, said many women in rural communities lack access to information and still associate cancer with spiritual causes.

“Early detection is very important. When it comes too late, there’s little we can do. We’re taking awareness to the villages, churches, and women’s meetings. Cancer is not a death sentence—we have survivors living healthy lives today,” she said.