By Michael Ovat
Wife of the Anambra State Governor and Founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has called on Nigerians to prioritise early detection of lung cancer and adopt healthy lifestyles to reduce the burden of the disease in the country.
Mrs Soludo made the call in a statement issued in Awka on Saturday by her Media Aide, Daniel Ezeigwe, to commemorate the 2026 World Lung Cancer Day, observed annually on August 1.
She said this year’s theme, “Stronger Together: United for Lung Cancer Awareness,” underscores the need for governments, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, the media, families and individuals to work collectively to promote awareness, early diagnosis, quality treatment and support for people living with lung cancer.
The Anambra First Lady described lung cancer as one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, noting that while tobacco smoking remains the leading risk factor, non-smokers are also at risk through prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke, air pollution, radon gas, asbestos, harmful chemicals and certain genetic factors.
She urged Nigerians to seek prompt medical attention for persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, recurrent chest infections, persistent fatigue and hoarseness of voice, stressing that early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes.
According to Dr. Soludo, advances in modern medicine, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, have improved survival rates for patients diagnosed early. She also encouraged Nigerians to avoid tobacco use, minimise exposure to environmental pollutants, maintain healthy diets, engage in regular physical activity and undertake routine medical check-ups, including lung cancer screening for eligible high-risk individuals.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative to complement government efforts through sustained public health education, preventive healthcare campaigns and community-based advocacy designed to promote healthy living and reduce preventable diseases.
The governor wife further called on governments, development partners, healthcare institutions, researchers, the media and community leaders to strengthen investments in cancer awareness, screening, research and treatment services. She stressed that protecting lung health is a shared responsibility and urged Nigerians to work together to build a healthier society through prevention, early detection and equitable access to quality healthcare
