Breast cancer in Nigeria: Study reveals profound social, emotional toll on women

By Chioma Obinna

As the world mark this years’s World Cancer Day today, a recent study published in Cancer Reports had revealed breast cancer not only presents physical challenges to Nigerian women but also profoundly affects their sense of self, social standing, and emotional well-being.

The researchers said that breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women in Nigeria, accounting for 25 per cent of all cases, yet access to early detection and treatment remains limited. 

The study, conducted by researchers from the Federal University Lokoja, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, and Teesside University, examined the self-identities of 22 women living with breast cancer across different age groups and stages of the disease. Using a qualitative grounded theory approach, the researchers identified a pattern of evolving self-identity across three phases: before diagnosis, during treatment, and post-treatment.

Before diagnosis, women generally held a “valued self-identity”, experiencing themselves as physically whole and socially integrated in their roles as mothers, wives, and professionals. With diagnosis and treatment, women entered a transitional phase, developing either a dependent self-identity, often associated with younger women relying on family support, or a self-determined identity, more common among older women with greater economic and emotional agency.

The post-treatment phase revealed a “devalued self-identity”, where women experienced diminished self-esteem, reduced sense of femininity, and social vulnerability due to bodily changes such as mastectomy. 

The study highlights that these identity shifts are particularly pronounced in younger women, affecting their perceived social value, sexual relationships, and long-term psychological well-being.

The researchers also noted the broader context exacerbates these challenges. Only 14 cancer treatment centers exist in Nigeria, mostly concentrated in the south, with limited availability of radiation therapy. Cancer care is largely out-of-pocket, and the National Health Insurance Scheme covers less than 5 per cent of the population, leaving many women financially vulnerable. Late-stage diagnosis is common, further complicating treatment outcomes.

Lead author Dr. Aisha Abimbola Adaranijo emphasized the significance of the findings:

“Our study shows that breast cancer is not just a physical illness. It fundamentally reshapes a woman’s sense of self, her social roles, and her emotional well-being. Healthcare providers must consider these psycho-social dimensions in treatment and survivorship care.”

Co-author Dr. Kehinde Kanmodi added: “Understanding the trajectories of self-identity among Nigerian women with breast cancer is essential. It allows caregivers and policymakers to design interventions that address not only medical treatment but also the emotional and social impacts of the disease.”

The study calls for comprehensive psychosocial support, community awareness, and policies that improve access to early detection and affordable treatment. According to the authors, addressing these dimensions is crucial to helping women navigate the “new normal” of life after a breast cancer diagnosis, where survival extends beyond the disease to encompass identity, dignity, and social reintegration.

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