Health
Misinformation, Late Detection Affecting Cancer Treatment In Nigeria — Oncologist
By Suleiman Shehu
A medical expert, Dr Lateef Salako, has attributed misinformation and late detection as some of the factors responsible for the high mortality rate associated with cases of cancer in Nigeria.
Salako, a Consultant Oncologist, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, stated this during the 2025/2026 Recognition Day, Walimah and graduation ceremony of MIMBAR Schools in Ibadan, on Sunday.
The oncologist, who delivered a lecture at the programme, said there was a great deal of misinformation circulating, including tales that have no basis when it comes to cancer.
He said that many patients, as a result of the false information, come late to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment.
According to Salako, early detection and treatment still remained the best chance to cure cancer.
The consultant oncologist said that cancer could be treated at stage I and stage II, but the chances of surviving it could not be guaranteed when it has reached stages III and IV.
“If treatment is delayed, the disease continues to progress and this often happens because they (patients) have been misinformed.
“Some people advise them against chemotherapy, surgery, or other evidence-based treatments. As a result, they seek help elsewhere, losing valuable time,” Salako said.
The consultant said that anyone could be diagnosed with cancer, including unborn babies.
In his welcome address, the Director of MIMBAR Schools, Mr Akinwale Akinlabi, said that the school would continue to instil strong moral and ethical values based on Islamic principles in the students.
“What makes us unique is our ability to seamlessly combine academic excellence with Islamic values to nurture the total child,” he said.
The director commended parents for supporting the school, adding that the school has continued to increase in population in spite of some challenges.
Akinlabi said that the school was able to overcome some of its challenges due to the support received from parents of students in the school.
The director said that the school would continue to build on the successes recorded in the outgoing session and uphold its vision.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Akinkunmi Ajisafe, called on parents not to only focus on their children’s academic performance but also on the moral aspect of their lives.
Ajisafe said most parents nowadays pay more attention to their children’s academic performance while neglecting the moral aspects, which was most important to having a better society.
Ajisafe attributed decadence in Nigeria to neglect of moral upbringing.
“Academics is good but must be combined with moral upbringing for us to have a better society,” he said.
The special guest of the occasion, Alhaji Cyril Idemudia, who said his children joined the school two years ago, expressed appreciation to the school for impacting both Islamic and western education on the students.
Idemudia said that he has witnessed a significant improvement in both western and Islamic education of his children within the two years of enrolling them in the school.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Miss Ameerah Erale, who is also the best graduating student, attributed her successes to God, constant reading and support of parents and teachers.
Highlights of the programme included the unveiling of the school yearbook, drama, presentation of certificates, award presentation, among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bayo Sekoni
