WorldStage– Renowned clinical oncologist Dr. Omolola Salako has raised an urgent alarm over a worrying surge in unpredictable cancers among young Nigerians.
Dr. Salako, CEO of Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital said in an interview with Arise News that patients aged 18 to 39 are increasingly presenting with aggressive and unpredictable forms of the disease.
Because this group is younger than standard screening thresholds, diagnoses often come as a shock, leading to late-stage presentations as young adults frequently dismiss early symptoms, the oncologist said.
Salako also highlighted tobacco as a major risk factor containing over 3,000 cancer-causing chemicals, noting that both active and passive smoke pose severe health dangers.
To combat the crisis, she urged enhanced public education, vigilant symptom tracking, and greater private investment in oncology infrastructure.
