Clinical Oncologist, Dr Omolola Salako, has expressed concern over the increasing number of young Nigerians developing cancer, revealing that specialists are now seeing unpredictable cases among people aged between 18 and 39.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Sunday, Salako said the trend was particularly worrying because many young adults fall below the age range for routine cancer screening. She noted that cancer is often detected late in younger patients because neither they nor healthcare providers initially consider the possibility of the disease.
Salako, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, identified tobacco use as a major cancer risk factor. She said tobacco contains more than 3,000 chemicals capable of triggering cancer, adding that both active smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke could increase the risk.
The oncologist stressed the importance of cancer prevention, noting that about 40 per cent of cancer cases are preventable. She urged Nigerians to take advantage of healthcare facilities for preventive services, including screening and vaccination against hepatitis B and the human papillomavirus (HPV).
She also identified family history as a major risk factor, particularly in families where several members have been diagnosed with cancer. Salako advised people with a strong family history of the disease to consult specialists and undergo appropriate genetic testing to identify potential risks early.
According to her, chronic inflammation is a common pathway through which several risk factors can contribute to cancer development. She explained that repeated damage to body cells could create conditions that allow cancerous cells to develop and spread.
Salako called for increased awareness, early detection and preventive healthcare, especially as cancer cases among younger adults continue to raise concerns among medical professionals.
