Breast Cancer: Ignorance, paucity of funds, late diagnosis and treatment fuelling fatalities in Nigeria –Experts

*Health experts, at Oncopadi Technologies’ recent launch of Breast Cancer Access Navigation and Testing, in Abuja, list lack of awareness, insufficient funds, poor access to early diagnosis and treatment as major reasons several women die of breast cancer in Nigeria, and other African countries

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Against the backdrop of the recent increasing cases of breast cancer, Oncopadi Technologies, a leading cancer elimination advocacy group, has listed lack of awareness, insufficient funds, poor access to early diagnosis and treatment as major reasons several women die of breast cancer in Nigeria and other African countries.

ConsumerConnect reports Dr. Omolola Salako, Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Founding Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oncopadi Technologies, stated this while speaking with reporters after the recent launch of the Breast Cancer Access Navigation and Testing (BRANT) Programme, in Abuja, FCT.

Salako said the Global Cancer observatory had projected that over 32,000 new breast cancer cases would be recorded this year, in Nigeria.

Salako explained: “The statistics implied that approximately 2,700 cases would be detected each month and 88 cases each day.

“In sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, half of the women diagnosed with breast cancer do not survive beyond five years due to factors such as lack of awareness, insufficient funds, and limited access to testing and treatment.”

The expert noted that BRANT hoped to tackle identified challenges by leveraging technology to ensure equitable access to care.

She also disclosed that BRANT is planning to support about 5,000 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients across the West African country.

According to her, participants in the forum would connect with a network of healthcare providers and receive comprehensive evaluations and personalised treatment recommendations through tumour board reviews.

Dr. Salako stated: “Our goal is to shorten diagnostic timelines to under 60 days, improving survival rates and quality of life.

“Beyond clinical care, we aim to foster a supportive and empowering community for patients.”

Challenges of breast cancer patients

As regards challenges posed by breast cancer, Dr. Salako said: “For five seconds, I want you to imagine what it feels like for the 88 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer today.

“Now imagine, if you will, the mental, physical, and financial barriers breast cancer raises.

“When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, a ton of emotions consume her—fear, anger, and confusion.”

The Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Founding CEO of Oncopadi Technologies said: “In a matter of weeks, she would realise the direct cost of her treatment would be between 2 and 30 million Naira, or maybe more.

“In fact, her indirect cost of care may even cost her more, if her source of livelihood (her job or business) is threatened. For example, multiple hospital visits for diagnosis, treatment, and management of side effects may consume her time and prevent her from earning her potential.”

Objectives of BRANT programme

In a remarks by the Head of Access at Roche Products Limited, Terseer explained that the programme was targeted at 5,000 newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients.

Terseer stated the average diagnostic timeline extends to six months, compared to less than 60 days elsewhere.

“Today, 5-in-10 women diagnosed with breast cancer will not be here in five years’ time.

“There is an urgent need to reduce the time to diagnosis breast cancer in order to improve the survival rate.”

He said BRANT programme would provide free immunohistochemistry tests for 5,000 women as quickly as possible no matter where they live in Nigeria.

Roche, he stated, has always been at the forefront of providing innovative solutions to healthcare challenges and fostering partnerships that benefit society, the healthcare system and patients.

The Head of Access at Roche stated: “Today, we are launching the Breast Cancer Access Navigation and Testing (BRANT) Programme, a transformative initiative to reshape breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria.

“BRANT aims to navigate women through the hurdles of breast cancer diagnosis and provide them access to free immunohistochemistry testing, reducing diagnostic delays.”