Former First Lady of Ondo State and founder of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has urged Nigerians to embrace early detection, seek prompt medical attention and support people living with breast cancer.

She said breast cancer was not a death sentence when detected early and appropriate treatment was pursued, stressing that awareness, timely medical care and emotional support were essential to improving outcomes.

Anyanwu-Akeredolu made the call while delivering a breast cancer awareness address at St. Mulumba Catholic Parish, Owerri, Imo State, on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the invitation of the Parish Priest, Reverend Father Raymond Kojo Madu.

The breast cancer survivor, who was diagnosed with the disease in 1997, said her personal experience inspired her to establish Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) in the same year to educate the public, challenge stigma and support people affected by the disease.

Speaking about her survival journey, she said she had lived with the experience for over 29 years and remained committed to raising awareness and encouraging others facing similar challenges.
“My message is simple: Breast cancer is not a death sentence. Knowledge saves lives, early detection improves outcomes, and nobody should have to face this disease alone,” she said.

She explained that breast cancer occurred when cells in the breast grew abnormally and uncontrollably, noting that although the disease predominantly affected women, men could also develop it.

The BRECAN founder identified warning signs to include a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, unusual nipple discharge, unexpected inward turning of the nipple and persistent redness or swelling.

The Labour Party candidate for Owerri Federal Constituency advised people to seek medical assessment whenever they noticed unusual breast changes, warning against waiting until a lump became painful before visiting a healthcare professional.

According to her, not every breast lump is cancerous, but medical evaluation is necessary to determine its nature.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu also encouraged women to become familiar with their breasts, discuss appropriate screening with qualified healthcare professionals and seek individual advice on their risk factors.
She noted that increasing age, a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, inherited genetic changes, physical inactivity and certain lifestyle factors could influence the risk of developing the disease.
She, however, cautioned against blaming people for their diagnosis, explaining that breast cancer could develop even in individuals without obvious risk factors.
The former First Lady also warned against misinformation and unproven remedies, urging patients not to abandon recommended medical treatment because of fear, stigma or promises of miraculous cures.
She said faith and medical care should complement each other, particularly in religious communities where prayer and spiritual support played important roles in people’s lives.
“Seeking medical care is not a betrayal of faith,” she said, adding that prayer could provide emotional strength and encouragement but should not replace appropriate medical treatment.
Highlighting the role of religious institutions in promoting breast cancer awareness, Anyanwu-Akeredolu urged church leaders to organise regular health education programmes, encourage early medical assessment and establish support networks for members living with cancer.
She also called on men to participate actively in breast cancer awareness by encouraging their wives, mothers, daughters and other female relatives to prioritise their breast health.
According to her, people living with the disease often face challenges beyond their medical condition, including treatment costs, transportation difficulties, childcare responsibilities, anxiety and loss of income.
She therefore urged families, religious organisations and communities to provide practical and emotional support to affected individuals rather than isolate or stigmatise them.
Recounting a touching encounter during her visit to the church, the breast cancer advocate said she met a woman who had been living with the disease for three years and encouraged her to remain hopeful.
She said they discussed healthy living, regular physical activity, emotional well-being and the importance of connecting with support groups such as BRECAN.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu added that meeting the woman’s teenage son, who had accompanied her to church, reinforced her message about finding strength in loved ones and the reasons to keep going.
She stressed that breast cancer awareness should extend beyond October, which is widely recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, adding that sustained public education was necessary to address fear, stigma and delays in seeking medical attention.
The BRECAN founder called on Nigerians to become ambassadors of breast health awareness by sharing accurate information, encouraging early medical assessment and supporting people affected by the disease.
She urged members of the public to remember three essential principles: knowing one’s body, seeking early medical assessment and supporting people living with breast cancer.