Breast Cancer Survivor Urges Early Detection,Warns Against Traditional Remedies

Kano, Nigeria — A breast cancer survivor, Mrs. Khalisa Muhammad, has issued a heartfelt warning to women against relying on traditional medicine or delaying medical treatment when faced with symptoms of breast cancer. She stressed that early diagnosis and professional medical care remain the most effective paths to recovery.

Mrs. Muhammad made the call during a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk and Health Talk held in Kano as part of activities marking the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event was organized by Healthcare Facilities 360 Services Limited in collaboration with the Oncology Nursing Society of Nigeria to promote awareness, encourage screening, and dispel myths surrounding cancer treatment.

Sharing her personal journey, Mrs. Muhammad said, “I underwent treatment and surgery. As you know, cancer treatment is a step-by-step process. I also did radiation therapy, and Alhamdulillah, I survived. Ignorance and fear often lead many women to delay proper treatment, but cancer is not a death sentence when detected early.”

She revealed that her experience inspired her to become an advocate for cancer awareness, leading to the establishment of Women for Cancer, a support group dedicated to educating women and providing emotional support to patients.

Mrs. Muhammad appealed to philanthropists and government agencies to extend financial assistance to breast cancer patients, similar to support schemes available for sickle cell patients. She emphasized that high treatment costs remain a major barrier for many women.

The awareness walk commenced at the Kano Cancer Treatment Center, moved through the Government House Roundabout, and returned to the center. Participants included healthcare professionals, cancer survivors, students, and members of civil society.

In his remarks, Dr. Kwis, Chief Medical Director of the Kano Cancer Treatment Center, said the walk was part of a global initiative to improve cancer literacy and save lives.

“We discovered that most women who suffer from breast cancer report very late because of lack of awareness. We want to change that by educating people about the risk factors, available treatments, and the fact that breast cancer is not a death sentence,” he said.

He added that the presence of survivors at the event was meant to inspire hope and encourage women to seek early medical intervention. “We have over five survivors with us today to show that cancer can be successfully treated. Our center here in Kano provides modern treatment for different types of cancer.”

Speaking on the capacity of the facility, Mrs. Daula Mohammed, General Manager (Administration) of Healthcare Facilities 360, described the Kano Cancer Treatment Center as an ultra-modern medical facility that serves not only Nigeria but the entire West African subregion.

“The center is equipped with advanced technology and manned by skilled doctors who employ modern treatment methods. However, treatment is expensive, and we appeal for more support for indigent patients,” she said.

Participants at the event included students such as Miss Stephanie from Nigerian Turkish International College (NTIC), who described the program as highly educational.

“I learned about risk factors, preventive measures, and how to perform self-examinations. It was very impactful, and I plan to share what I learned with others,” she said.

The event concluded with a call on women to prioritize regular screening, adopt healthy lifestyles, and seek medical help without delay, as early detection could significantly increase survival rates.