Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on women across the country to take their health seriously by prioritizing regular breast cancer screenings and self-examinations, stressing that early detection remains the most effective way to save lives.
In a statement released on Tuesday to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October 2025), Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare and collective support for survivors. She urged women particularly mothers, sisters, and daughters to commit to proactive health checks and lifestyle habits that promote wellness.
“As women, mothers, sisters, and daughters, our health must remain a priority,” the First Lady said. “Early detection saves lives. Regular self-examination and timely medical screening are key in the fight against breast cancer.”
Her message aligns with the global campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the disease, promoting education on preventive measures, and supporting those affected. Breast cancer remains the most common form of cancer among women worldwide and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Nigeria.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer accounts for nearly 30% of all female cancers globally, and survival rates are significantly higher when the disease is detected early. Public health experts have consistently stressed the need for awareness, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to routine screening is limited.
Mrs. Tinubu’s message comes at a time when many advocacy groups in Nigeria are organizing nationwide outreach programs, free medical check-ups, and educational campaigns aimed at encouraging early diagnosis. She urged Nigerians to support such initiatives and stand with survivors who continue to inspire hope despite their struggles.
“This month, let us raise awareness, support survivors, and encourage one another to take proactive steps for better health,” she said. “Let us work together to stay healthy.”
Since assuming office, the First Lady has been an advocate for women’s empowerment, youth development, and healthcare access. Through the Renewed Hope Initiative, her social intervention platform, she has launched several health-focused programs, including free screenings for women and support schemes for cancer patients.
Health professionals have lauded Mrs. Tinubu’s call as timely, given rising cancer rates and limited access to diagnostic facilities in rural areas. They say her advocacy can help drive a culture of early testing and demystify misconceptions surrounding the disease.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues, hospitals, NGOs, and women’s groups are expected to organize public education drives, pink walks, and community sensitization campaigns to spread the message of prevention and hope.
Concluding her message, Mrs. Tinubu reaffirmed her commitment to promoting women’s health and wellbeing. “Together, we can make a difference—one check, one test, and one life at a time,” she said.