Early Detection Key to Reducing Female Deaths from Breast Cancer – ACPN

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has reaffirmed the vital role of early detection in reducing breast cancer-related deaths among Nigerian women.

At a one-day Breast Care Awareness Training hosted by the Department of Radiation Oncology, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Pharmacist Adebayo Gbadamosi, Oyo State Chairman of ACPN, emphasized that community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to combat the disease through early detection and grassroots outreach.

Describing breast cancer as one of the leading causes of death among women in Nigeria, Gbadamosi lamented the lack of awareness, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

“Breast cancer, as one of the major killer diseases among women, can be significantly reduced through the early detection skills of community pharmacists who are often the first point of contact at the grassroots level,” he said.

Gbadamosi called on all levels of government to implement inclusive healthcare policies that empower all members of the medical team, especially community pharmacists, to operate at their full potential.

“Toxic rivalries and fragmented responsibilities have long defined Nigeria’s health sector. It's time we fixed that,” he added.

He stressed that if community pharmacies are officially recognized as primary healthcare infrastructure, it could lead to dramatic improvements in Nigeria’s health indicators.

The training session aimed to equip pharmacists with tools to:

• Conduct breast cancer risk assessments

• Promote self-examination and screening

• Refer high-risk cases early to hospitals

• Serve as health educators in underserved areas

The event forms part of a broader movement to integrate pharmacists into the preventive healthcare model a critical shift in a country still battling late-stage diagnosis and high cancer fatality rates.