The Oyenike Oyekan Foundation, a non-governmental organization focused on cancer awareness, treatment, and social welfare, has joined the rest of the world in commemorating the 2025 World Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a strong call on Nigerians to speak up and discard the culture of silence surrounding breast cancer.
In a press statement signed by its Managing Consultant, Nelson Ekujumi, the foundation urged Nigerians to embrace open conversations, early screening, and proper medical care, describing breast cancer as “not a death sentence” but a condition that can be effectively managed through early detection.
Aligning with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) theme for this year’s campaign — “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters” — the foundation emphasized the importance of recognizing each patient’s experience while promoting equitable and high-quality healthcare for all.
“In realization of the sanctity of human life which is unique, and that every journey matters, the Oyenike Oyekan Foundation remains resolutely committed to spreading the gospel of cancer awareness by organizing health education and sensitization programmes across Oyo State and Nigeria at large,” the statement read.
Citing WHO statistics, the organization noted that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women globally, with 2.3 million new cases and 670,000 deaths recorded in 2022. It stressed that the alarming figures underscore the need for intensified awareness, education, and early detection initiatives nationwide.
The foundation also debunked myths linking breast cancer to spiritual attacks, urging women to abandon superstitious beliefs and seek medical screening and treatment instead of relying on spiritual interventions.
“Being diagnosed with breast cancer is not a death sentence. The disease is treatable if discovered early. We must defeat the culture of silence and misinformation that often leads to late diagnosis and preventable deaths,” the statement added.
Furthermore, the Oyenike Oyekan Foundation called on corporate bodies, NGOs, and government agencies to collaborate in promoting nationwide sensitization and cancer education. It also appealed to governments at all levels to make breast cancer screening free and easily accessible in all public health facilities to encourage early detection and save lives.
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