Breast cancer is one of the most malignant cancers affecting women worldwide. In Nigeria, breast cancer has a mortality rate of about 18.6%, and according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, Nigeria recorded about 28,380 new cases of breast cancer in 2020.
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This cancer seems to be slowly eating its way through the population of young adolescents and adult women.
Though the statistics may be lower compared to some other countries, it is still a matter of concern. What makes it even more concerning is the lack of affordable treatment options especially with the current economic state.
Though treatment options do exist, the expense involved is not something an average Nigerian receiving minimum wage can afford. To better understand the level of costs involved, here is a financial breakdown;
Cost budget for breast cancer treatment in Nigeria
An initial Breast Scan for the confirmed diagnosis will cost about 67000 to 72000 naira.
Average surgery costs about 80,000 to 180,000 naira, and Chemotherapy ranges from 100 to 500,000 naira based on how far the cancer has spread in the breast muscles.
The estimate for chemotherapy will be multiplied based on the number of chemotherapy sessions performed. As you can see, cancer treatment is quite expensive.
Breast Cancer Centers in Nigeria
To know if you have breast cancer, you must visit a screening centre and get a diagnosis from a certified doctor.
Though you may feel a lump during your self-examination (which should be done as regularly as possible ), not all lumps found in the breast are cancerous.
There are a number of breast cancer screening centres in Nigeria, and you can find them in a number of states;
1. Afriglobal Diagnostics Ikeja, 8 mobolaji Bank-Anthony, Ikeja.
2. Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Ishaga Road, Idi-Araba
3. Breast and Gynaecology Centre Victoria Island 276a Kofo Abayomi Street Victoria Island.
4. Union Diagnostics Gwagwalada 2, M.A Nweke close, Market Junction by St Mary Hospital, along University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada
5. Echolab Kaduna. Kaduna State, 4, Katsina Road, by Independence Way, Kaduna North.
6. Sound Scan Diagnostic Services Asaba 331 Nnebisi Road Asaba
7. Department of Radiology Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra.
8. Union Diagnostics Minna, Yoruba Road, Before Mobil Roundabout, Minna, Niger.
9. Union Diagnostics Jos. 12, Jingere Road Muritala Muhammed way, between UTC & VIO Junction, Jos.
10. Broad Places Radiology Surulere. 15, Babatunde Street off Ogunlana Drive Surulere.
11. Firmware Diagnostics Area 11 and Wuse 2, 3 Bouar Close by Jevenik Restaurant Off Bangui Street, Wuse 2 Tswnaya Centre Muhammad Buhari way – Opp NIPOST HQ, Garki Area 11, Abuja.
These are only a few of the cancer centres that exist in Nigeria. You can find the closest cancer centre to you simply by checking online. You can also get a free scan and possibly a free cancer treatment if you visit or report your case to NGOs like Cancer Aware Nigeria.
Breast cancer is not the end of the world. With the right treatment and positivity, it is a condition that you can defeat.
