World Lung Cancer Day: Nonye Soludo Urges Nigerians to Prioritise Early Detection, Healthy Living

Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo

The First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has described lung cancer as one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, urging Nigerians to prioritise early detection and adopt healthy lifestyles to reduce the burden of the disease.
She noted that although tobacco smoking remains the leading risk factor for lung cancer, non-smokers are also vulnerable through prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke, air pollution, radon gas, asbestos, hazardous chemicals and certain genetic factors.
Dr. Soludo made the call in a statement issued on Saturday to commemorate the 2026 World Lung Cancer Day, observed annually on August 1.
The statement, signed by the Media Aide to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Ezeigwe, was made available to journalists in Awka.
The Governor’s wife, who is also the founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, said this year’s theme, “Stronger Together: United for Lung Cancer Awareness,” highlights the importance of collective action among governments, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, the media, families and individuals to promote awareness, encourage early diagnosis, improve access to quality treatment and provide support for people living with lung cancer.
According to her, increasing public awareness about the disease is essential to reducing preventable deaths, as many cases are diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment options are more limited.
Dr. Soludo urged Nigerians to seek prompt medical attention if they experience persistent symptoms such as a cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, persistent chest pain, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, recurrent chest infections, prolonged fatigue or hoarseness of voice. She stressed that early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes and increases the chances of survival.
She explained that advances in modern medicine, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, have considerably improved survival rates for patients whose cancers are detected early.
She therefore encouraged Nigerians to avoid tobacco use in all forms, minimise exposure to environmental pollutants and other harmful substances, maintain healthy diets, engage in regular physical activity and undergo routine medical check-ups, including lung cancer screening for eligible high-risk individuals.
The First Lady 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 programmes aimed at promoting healthy living and reducing the incidence of preventable diseases across the state and beyond.
She further called on governments at all levels, development partners, healthcare institutions, researchers, the media and community leaders to strengthen investments in cancer awareness, early screening, research, diagnosis and treatment services. She emphasised that protecting lung health is a shared responsibility and urged Nigerians to work together in building a healthier society through prevention, early detection and equitable access to quality healthcare.
Dr. Soludo also encouraged citizens to support ongoing public health initiatives that promote healthy environments and reduce exposure to risk factors associated with lung cancer, noting that sustained collaboration among all stakeholders remains critical to winning the fight against the disease.