The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has emphasized that early detection of breast cancer is crucial to reducing the mortality rate among Nigerian women.

Pharmacist Adebayo Gbadamosi, ACPN Chairman in Oyo State, made this known during a one-day breast care awareness training held in Ibadan. The event was organized by the Department of Radiation Oncology, University College Hospital (UCH), for community pharmacists.

Gbadamosi expressed concern over the limited awareness of breast cancer, especially in rural areas. He described the disease as one of the leading causes of death among women.

He stressed that timely diagnosis could significantly reduce the number of lives lost to the disease. He also urged governments at all levels to adopt policies that empower all healthcare professionals to fully contribute to the system without rivalry.

“Community pharmacists play a vital role as the first point of contact in grassroots healthcare. Their involvement in early breast cancer detection could greatly improve prevention efforts,” he said.

He further highlighted the strategic position of community pharmacies as accessible and trusted healthcare hubs, noting that recognizing them as core components of primary healthcare could lead to substantial improvements in national health outcomes.

“I call on governments at all levels to implement policies that allow every member of the healthcare team to thrive, for the overall benefit of the nation,” Gbadamosi added.