NGO investigates rise in aggressive breast cancer among women in Northeast

The Cancer Consciousness Initiative, an NGO, has embarked on research to investigate genetic mutations associated with aggressive breast tumours among women in the Northeast.

Dr Hannatu Ayuba, Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, disclosed this on Saturday in Yola during the Mega Rally Cancer Walk organised under the 2026 Pinktober Cancer Awareness Campaign.

She said the campaign, themed “Awareness to Access,” was unveiled in Adamawa, with subsequent activities planned for Borno, Taraba and Bauchi.

Ayuba, Chief Executive Officer of the initiative and Programme Lead of the Teleoncology Hub, said the research aimed to identify tumour characteristics and genetic mutations that could guide treatment decisions.

“We are seeing more young women these days with aggressive tumours, women less than 40 years old, particularly from this axis.

“That is why we are encouraging this research,” she said.

She explained that the research would involve histological assessment, immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to identify relevant biomarkers and understand the biological characteristics of the tumours.

“Roche Pharmaceuticals had pledged to support more than 600 immunohistochemistry tests, while Babcock University, Ogun, would support PCR testing for selected biomarkers.

“The samples for genomic mutation testing would be preserved under strict cold-chain conditions before transportation for specialised laboratory analysis,” she said.

According to her, the initiative was also establishing pathways to connect women with breast lumps to ultrasound scans, biopsies, laboratory investigations and multidisciplinary teams for appropriate treatment.

She disclosed that the campaign initially targeted 500 women for screening but reduced the target to 300 across the participating states due to funding constraints.

Dr Garba Joshua, Consultant Radiologist and Head of the Radiology Department at Modibbo Adama University, Yola, urged women to seek early medical assessment and practise breast self-awareness.

He advised women to watch for unusual lumps, changes in breast shape and abnormal nipple discharge, particularly bloody discharge, and promptly report such signs to healthcare professionals.

One of the beneficiaries, Glory Jonathan from Girei Local Government Area, commended the organisers for bringing screening services closer to the community.

Jonathan said the 50 per cent reduction in screening costs had encouraged more women to participate in the exercise.

She said she attended the programme to check her breast health, following the experience of a relative who underwent breast removal after developing cancer.(NAN).

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Folasade Akpan