Experts Warn Of Rising Breast Cancer Risk Among Younger Women
Healthcare experts have called for increased awareness, regular breast checks and healthier lifestyles to address growing concerns over breast cancer among younger women.
They made the call at the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month commemoration organised by Feet2Fit Integrative Health Wellness Ltd. and CFG Africa.
The event, held on Saturday in Lagos, had the theme: ‘Sharing Data, Fostering Preventive Care and Early Detection’.
Newsmen reports that the programme focused on breast health, risk factors, preventive care and early diagnosis.
A Radiologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr Damilola Adeyemo, said not all breast lumps were cancerous.
She explained that some lumps resulted from benign conditions, including cysts and fibroadenomas, but urged women to seek medical evaluation.
Adeyemo identified nipple discharge, skin changes, persistent pain and alterations in breast size or shape as warning signs requiring medical attention.
She cautioned that breast cancer did not always present as an obvious lump, noting that some abnormalities could remain difficult to detect.
“Not all breast cancers present as obvious lumps. Some abnormalities may appear as non-mass lesions and may not produce the usual signs people associate with breast cancer,” she said.
Adeyemo said breast cancer could affect women without a family history of the disease, adding that men were also susceptible.
She explained that breast self-examination helped women recognise unusual changes but should not replace professional medical assessment and recommended screening.
The Medical Director of Feet2Fit Integrative Health Wellness Ltd., Dr Elizabeth Falabi, expressed concern over breast cancer among younger women.
Falabi urged women to embrace preventive healthcare, stressing that healthier lifestyles and early diagnosis could make significant differences.
“Living a healthy lifestyle and embracing early diagnosis can make a significant difference,” she said.
She identified fear as a major barrier to screening, noting that it often discouraged people from seeking medical attention.
Falabi stressed that early diagnosis increased opportunities for timely treatment, urging women to overcome anxiety and prioritise regular health checks.
A fitness enthusiast, Mrs Mobolaji Edward, encouraged women to engage in regular physical activities to promote overall health.
She recommended walking, aerobics, tennis and gym exercises as activities that could support healthier lifestyles.
Similarly, a Registered Dietitian, Oluwajomiloju Asagidigbi, advised women to maintain healthy weights through balanced diets.
She recommended meals rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fibre, while discouraging excessive consumption of processed foods.
“Food is a risk factor that we can address through better choices, one meal at a time,” she said.
Asagidigbi also advised women to limit sugary drinks and processed meats, adding that healthy eating should complement regular exercise.
She further recommended adequate sleep and appropriate medical checks as important components of preventive healthcare.
Global Markets Analyst at CFG Africa, Anjolaoluwa Boluwajoko, said the organisation partnered with Feet2Fit to promote women’s health and well-being.
She said the initiative would be extended to the organisation’s employees, clients, vendors and surrounding communities.
“Today’s programme is just the first step, and we are committed to expanding the initiative,” she said.
The experts urged women to disregard misinformation, overcome fear and seek professional medical attention whenever they noticed unusual breast changes.
