A senior lecturer at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Dr. Muhammad Habeebu, has warned that poor lifestyle choices—such as excessive alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and frequent intake of processed or junk foods—are major factors driving the rise of breast cancer, particularly among women.
Dr. Habeebu, who also serves as a consultant radiation and clinical oncologist and chief clinical coordinator at the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre, explained that while gender remains the strongest risk factor, lifestyle decisions significantly influence an individual’s susceptibility to the disease.
“About 99 percent of breast cancer cases are found in women. The older a woman is, the higher the risk. Black women also tend to develop breast cancer earlier than their Caucasian counterparts,” he stated.
He added that hormonal contraceptive use, delayed childbirth, and failure to breastfeed can further heighten risk levels. “Women who have their first child before the age of 25 and those who breastfeed enjoy a degree of natural protection,” he noted.
Dr. Habeebu also cited genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA gene, as another critical risk factor, saying such mutations can predispose entire families to breast cancer. Although men make up only about one percent of breast cancer cases, he said these are often linked to shared hereditary factors.
Emphasizing the importance of early detection, he urged women to embrace preventive measures through routine screening and healthy living.
“Women should maintain an active lifestyle, reduce alcohol intake, avoid high-fat and processed foods, and engage in regular exercise. Self-examination and clinical breast checks every six months are also important,” he advised.
The oncologist also cautioned against misinformation surrounding chemotherapy and the growing dependence on unverified herbal remedies, warning that such practices often lead to late hospital presentations and poorer survival outcomes.
“Herbal remedies have not been scientifically proven to cure cancer,” he said, urging patients to seek treatment in certified medical facilities.
While commending the government’s Cancer Health Fund and CAP programme, Dr. Habeebu noted that access to treatment remains difficult due to high costs. He called for sustained awareness campaigns and widespread cancer screening, stressing that “exercise helps to prevent cancer and also reduces the risk of hypertension and diabetes.”
