Clinical Oncologist, Dr Omolola Salako, has raised concern over the increasing number of young Nigerians being diagnosed with cancer, noting that oncologists are now seeing unpredictable cases among people aged between 18 and 39.
According to a report by ARISE NEWS, Salako raised the concern during an interview on Sunday, explaining that the trend was particularly challenging because many young adults fall below the age at which routine cancer screening is commonly recommended.
She said young people often present at health facilities when the disease has progressed because cancer is rarely considered when individuals in their 20s or 30s develop symptoms.
Salako, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, identified tobacco use as a major cancer risk factor, noting that tobacco contains more than 3,000 chemicals capable of triggering cancer.
She warned that the risk is not limited to active smokers, stressing that prolonged exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke can also increase the likelihood of developing cancer.
The oncologist urged Nigerians to prioritise cancer prevention by making use of primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare services for vaccination, screening and early detection.
She particularly encouraged Nigerians to receive vaccinations against hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, noting that about 40 percent of cancers are preventable.
Salako also identified strong family history as an important risk factor, advising people with multiple cases of cancer in their families to consult specialists and undergo appropriate genetic testing.
According to her, early genetic assessment can help identify individuals at higher risk and enable doctors to detect precancerous conditions or cancers at very early stages.
She further listed kidney disease, uncontrolled hypertension, micronutrient deficiencies, prolonged alcohol consumption and tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, among factors that could contribute to cancer risk.
On environmental factors, Salako warned that prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation could cause significant skin damage, particularly among people with albinism and those with fair skin who have lower levels of melanin.
She explained that chronic inflammation caused by repeated damage to body cells could create conditions that allow cancer to develop.
Salako therefore called for greater awareness, preventive healthcare and early medical attention, particularly among young Nigerians, to improve the chances of detecting and treating cancer before it reaches advanced stages.
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