The Chief Executive Officer of the Kano Cancer Treatment Centre, Dr. Nafisa Abdu, has urged Nigerians to seek immediate medical attention if they notice persistent lumps, unexplained swelling or prolonged bone pain, warning that such symptoms could indicate sarcoma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer.
Abdu gave the advice in a statement issued on Thursday to mark Sarcoma Awareness Month, stressing that early diagnosis offers the best chance of successful treatment and improved survival.
She described sarcoma as one of the world’s “forgotten cancers” because of limited public awareness and frequent delays in diagnosis.
She said: “Sarcomas are a rare group of cancers in which malignant cells develop in the bones or soft connective tissues of the body.”
Abdu added: “These cancers can arise in the muscles, fat, blood vessels, tendons, cartilage and other supporting tissues, affecting both children and adults.”
According to her, the disease is often mistaken for less serious health conditions, making early diagnosis difficult.
She advised Nigerians to seek prompt medical evaluation if they develop persistent lumps, unexplained swelling, prolonged bone pain or any lump measuring more than five centimetres.
The cancer specialist also urged healthcare professionals to maintain a high level of suspicion when assessing patients with such symptoms to ensure timely referral and accurate diagnosis.
Abdu explained that effective treatment of sarcoma requires a multidisciplinary approach involving surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, oncology nurses, physiotherapists and other specialists working together to provide comprehensive care.
She called on governments, healthcare institutions, civil society organisations and the media to intensify efforts aimed at raising awareness, promoting early detection and improving access to quality cancer care.
Abdu said: “This year’s Sarcoma Awareness Month serves as a reminder that no cancer should be forgotten.”
She also reaffirmed the Kano Cancer Treatment Centre’s commitment to providing advanced diagnosis, comprehensive treatment and patient-centred care to improve survival rates and the quality of life of cancer patients.
Sarcoma is a rare cancer that develops in the body’s bones or connective tissues, including muscles, fat, tendons, cartilage and blood vessels.
Because its symptoms often resemble those of less serious conditions, diagnosis is frequently delayed, reducing the chances of successful treatment.
July is observed globally as Sarcoma Awareness Month to raise awareness of the disease and encourage early detection.
