Rising Cancer Cases Among Young Nigerians: Expert Warns

Dr. Omolola Salako, a Clinical Oncologist and Chief Executive Officer of Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, has raised alarms about the increasing incidence of "unpredictable" cancers among young Nigerians aged 18 to 39. During an interview on ARISE NEWS, she noted that many affected individuals are below the recommended age for routine cancer screening, leading to late presentations when cancer is often not considered a possibility.

Salako identified tobacco use as a major risk factor, citing over 3,000 chemicals in tobacco that can trigger cancer. She urged Nigerians to utilize healthcare facilities for preventive services, including vaccinations against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus, as 40% of cancers are preventable.

Additionally, she highlighted the importance of family history in cancer risk and recommended that individuals with a strong family history consult specialists for genetic testing to detect potential risks early.