An oncologist, Dr Temitope Olatunji, has advised Nigerians to raise the alarm over any strange symptoms in their bodies to reduce sudden deaths from cancer.

She is a Radiation and Clinical Consultant at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

Speaking in an interview in Ota, Ogun State, on Monday, Olatunji stressed the need for people to embrace yearly screening. She said many Nigerians do not take their health seriously and fail to report unusual symptoms early.

According to her, regular check-ups allow hospitals to detect illnesses early and provide timely solutions, thereby preventing unnecessary loss of life. She identified poverty as a major factor that stops people from undertaking regular health checks and treatments.

Olatunji urged governments at all levels to intensify public advocacy, mass education and awareness campaigns on cancer, early detection and available treatment options. She said Nigerians must understand that cancer exists and that keeping quiet is dangerous.

The specialist also commended the Federal Government’s health insurance programme for helping to reduce out-of-pocket expenses, but called for deeper awareness so more people know it exists. She emphasised that early detection and early treatment remain key to saving lives and curbing cancer cases in the country.