A senior lecturer at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Dr Muhammad Habeebu, has warned that alcohol consumption, sedentary habits, and unhealthy diets are fuelling a growing risk of breast cancer among women.
Dr Habeebu, who serves as a consultant radiation and clinical oncologist and chief clinical coordinator at the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre, said while gender remains the strongest determinant, since about 99 per cent of cases occur in women, certain lifestyle choices can further heighten susceptibility.
“The older a woman is, the higher her risk,” he said, adding that black women tend to develop breast cancer earlier than their Caucasian counterparts.
He also identified hormonal contraceptives, delayed childbirth, and failure to breastfeed as additional factors.
“Women who have their first child before age 25 are less likely to develop breast cancer, and breastfeeding provides significant protection,” he said.
Dr Habeebu cited the role of genetics, explaining that hereditary mutations, particularly in the BRCA gene, can predispose families to the disease.
Men, he said, account for about one per cent of breast cancer cases due to shared genetic links.
He stressed that prevention and early detection remain the best defence, advising women to embrace healthier lifestyles, limit alcohol intake, avoid fatty and processed foods, and engage in regular exercise.
“Women should perform self-breast examinations, go for clinical check-ups every six months, and undertake mammogram or ultrasound screenings when necessary,” he recommended.
The oncologist cautioned against the widespread belief in herbal treatments for cancer, warning that such remedies have not been scientifically proven.
“Fear and misconceptions about chemotherapy often make patients present late, which reduces their chances of survival,” he said.
Dr Habeebu also pointed out that access to cancer care remains a major challenge in Nigeria due to high treatment costs, despite interventions such as the Cancer Health Fund and the CAP programme.
He concluded by urging women to prioritise regular screenings and exercise, saying, “Physical activity helps prevent not only cancer but also hypertension and diabetes.”
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