…“Cancer is only deadly when it is detected late. You don’t have to wait.
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has warned that the rising cancer burden across Nigerian homes underscores the urgent need for early detection and a fundamental rethink of everyday lifestyle choices, particularly diet and other consumption habits.
Mrs Soludo said cancer has found “unhindered access” to many households and communities largely due to careless consumption patterns and unhealthy addictions, stressing that prevention must begin with conscious living and routine medical checks.
She made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday to mark the 2026 World Cancer Day, observed globally on February 4, to promote cancer prevention, early detection and effective treatment.
World Cancer Day, led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in support of the World Cancer Declaration, is aimed at reducing cancer-related illnesses and deaths while mobilising global action against avoidable suffering linked to the disease. The observance is recognised by the United Nations.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, “United by Unique,” the Anambra First Lady said the campaign highlights the need for a more deliberate and compassionate response to cancer, describing it as not just a medical condition but a deeply personal human experience that demands collective responsibility.
“Cancer is still stealing from us on an unimaginable scale,” she said. “While we celebrate stories of survival and victory, the frightening numbers it leaves behind each year demand more attention. They show how much we have drifted away from what truly matters, routine cancer screening and healthy living.”
She emphasised that early detection remains central to successful cancer treatment, urging Nigerians not to wait for symptoms before seeking medical checks.
“Cancer is only deadly when it is detected late. You don’t have to wait. Take a step today and get screened. Routine cancer checks are not optional; they are essential,” she said.
Mrs Soludo also called for an urgent reassessment of lifestyle habits, noting that what people eat and consume daily plays a critical role in either preventing or promoting disease.
“Cancer has gained easy access to our homes largely because of careless consumption habits and addictions. It is time to honestly reassess certain unhealthy choices we have normalised,” she added.
According to her, the United by Unique theme is a reminder that those living with cancer need more than medical care.
“Cancer is beyond a diagnosis; it is a touching and unique human story. Those fighting it need our love, care and support. It is not their burden alone, it is our collective story of resilience and survival. Supporting one person can make a lasting difference,” she said.
Mrs Soludo, who is also the founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, has consistently advocated a holistic approach to health, encouraging individuals especially women and mothers to prioritise their overall wellbeing.
She stressed that good health remains the “greatest wealth” and called for balanced self-care that addresses physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing as a way to reduce preventable, lifestyle-related illnesses.
“Nourish yourself well so you can think well, move well, work well, love well and sleep well,” she urged.
