🎀 Men's Health
Breast Cancer in Nigeria
Africa's most common cancer in women — early detection saves lives
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Nigerian women and the leading cause of cancer death. Nigeria has one of the worst breast cancer outcomes globally — not because Nigerian women have more aggressive cancers (though young-onset triple-negative cancer is common), but because most present at Stage III or IV. Stage I breast cancer has a 95%+ survival rate. Stage IV: under 30%. Detection time is everything.
Signs and Symptoms
✓ A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
✓ Change in breast size or shape
✓ Skin changes — dimpling, puckering, or an orange-peel (peau d'orange) texture
✓ Nipple changes — inversion, discharge (especially bloody), or scaling
✓ Persistent breast pain in one area (less common than a lump)
✓ Redness or warmth of the breast skin
✓ Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or collarbone area
When to Seek Help
Any new breast lumpSee a doctor within 2 weeks. Most lumps are benign, but every lump must be assessed — do not wait to see if it goes away.
Nipple discharge or inversionEspecially if bloody or in a woman who is not pregnant or breastfeeding — warrants prompt assessment.
Skin changes on the breastDimpling, redness, or thickening of breast skin should be evaluated urgently.
Armpit lumpA new lump in the armpit in a woman may represent lymph node involvement from breast cancer.
Tests & Diagnosis
🧪 Clinical breast examination
Done by a doctor or trained nurse — assesses lumps, skin changes, and lymph nodes.
🧪 Mammogram
X-ray of the breast — the gold standard screening tool for women 40 and older. Can detect cancer 1–2 years before it can be felt. Available at private radiology centres and teaching hospitals.
🧪 Breast ultrasound
More useful than mammogram in younger women (denser breast tissue). Also used to assess lumps found on clinical exam.
🧪 Core biopsy
A needle removes a core of tissue from the lump for laboratory analysis. This is the definitive diagnosis. Done under local anaesthetic.
🧪 Receptor testing (ER, PR, HER2)
Determines the cancer subtype and guides treatment — essential for all confirmed breast cancers.
🧪 Staging CT + bone scan
Checks for spread to lungs, liver, or bones if the cancer is confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I do a breast self-examination?
Stand in front of a mirror with arms at your sides. Look for asymmetry, skin changes, or nipple changes. Raise your arms and look again. Lie down and use the pads of your fingers (not tips) to feel the entire breast and armpit in small circular motions. Do this monthly, 1 week after your period. Report any new changes promptly — do not wait a month.
At what age should I start mammogram screening?
Nigerian clinical guidelines recommend annual mammography from age 40. If you have a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer, start screening 10 years earlier than their diagnosis age. Some oncologists recommend screening from 35 for Nigerian women given younger average onset.
Are Nigerian women more likely to get aggressive breast cancer?
Yes — triple-negative breast cancer (which doesn't respond to hormone therapy and is harder to treat) is more common in women of West African ancestry. This is a biological difference that explains some of the worse outcomes — which is why early detection is even more critical.
Can men get breast cancer?
Yes — about 1% of breast cancers occur in men. Warning signs: a lump under the nipple area, nipple discharge, or skin changes. Men with BRCA2 mutations have significantly elevated risk.
Is there financial support for cancer treatment in Nigeria?
NHIA covers some cancer treatments at accredited facilities. Some pharmaceutical companies have patient assistance programmes. The Sebeccly Cancer Care foundation, CREN Nigeria, and EKO Cancer Centre offer support. Ask your hospital's oncology social worker about options.