In this interview with LARA ADEJORO, media consultant and stage-four breast cancer survivor Chioma Ikejiani shares her remarkable journey of resilience, hope, and survival

What was your reaction when you first discovered you had breast cancer?

For me, it was the last thing I ever expected, so it was incredibly shocking. I had a mammogram in 2014, and it came back clear. At the beginning of 2015, I had another mammogram because I was in my 50s, and that was also negative. Then, in mid-2015, I felt a lump, but I didn’t do anything because it didn’t bother me.

By the end of 2015, I decided to have a full examination in Abuja, as it had been a long time since my last one. During the mammogram, they’saw a lump and recommended a biopsy because it was large. The biopsy confirmed it: HER2-positive breast cancer, which is one of the most aggressive’types. I was completely shocked.

After the diagnosis, how did you find the strength to embrace your treatment?

Initially, it was overwhelming. As you process the news, the doctor speaks to you, but it’s hard to hear because you’re still in disbelief. Anyone who knows me knows I approach challenges like projects, so I quickly decided to tackle this as a project; I had to win this battle.

The first step was the biopsy, which saved my life. When it was time for the next stage, based on my cancer staging, the doctor recommended chemotherapy, as surgery alone wasn’t enough, and I would likely need radiation too.

I didn’t want to wait, so I contacted my long-time doctor in Toronto to inform her of my diagnosis. I went to Canada to see her because I trusted her expertise.

I also trusted my Nigerian doctor, who performed the initial surgery to remove the lump. I followed his instructions completely. My support system was critical: my doctor and my best friend, who unfortunately passed away in 2023, were both instrumental. My friend gave me a book about a cancer survivor, which inspired me. My faith in God also helped; I believed this was a journey He wanted me to take, and surviving it would be a covenant with Him.

When I started chemotherapy, I was amazed. I never got seriously sick and I actually enjoyed taking the time to care for myself.

How was your treatment journey in Nigeria, and what would you say about the quality of care you received?

I’m grateful because I believe it’s why I’m alive today. My diagnosis in Nigeria was accurate, and when I went back to Canada, I provided all my medical records, X-rays, and slides, which allowed for seamless collaboration between the two countries.

The Nigerian hospital I chose was excellent at record-keeping and followed international best practices, which made it easier for the Canadian hospital to continue my care.

They conducted new MRI and CT scans to evaluate my progress since my last scans in Nigeria. That’s when they discovered tumours in my organs and confirmed stage-four breast cancer.

Despite the aggressive diagnosis, this type of cancer has effective treatment options. I was fully involved in understanding my medications. I began losing my hair but never became seriously ill. Side effects were manageable, including minor nosebleeds and mouth sores. Following international standards of care made a significant difference in my journey.

Looking at Nigeria’s health system, what aspects of cancer care deserve recognition, and what gaps urgently need to be filled?

When my tumours started shrinking and disappearing, I had to return to Nigeria, which felt unusual because most people assume that if you have cancer, you’d stay abroad. But I think what kept me alive was knowing I could access treatment in Nigeria. As a stage-four cancer survivor entering Nigeria’s cancer ecosystem, I confirmed that I could get my drugs from a pharmaceutical firm and register at the National Hospital, Abuja, which provided the medications.

I had a phenomenal Nigerian doctor, and this was at the end of 2016. At that time, the cancer ecosystem was poor. Even at the National Hospital, there were no proper coolers, and the process was very challenging. I remember waiting about eight hours to get my drugs. Today, it takes only a few minutes. The government has made significant investments in cancer care.

Back then, the National Hospital didn’t have an oncology department. Patients would pay at the pharmacy, get a piece of paper, and then return to pay for the drugs. Sometimes, even after paying, the drugs weren’t available because they hadn’t arrived yet, often coming from Zaria. They had to be transported in temperature-controlled bags to the hospital. Today, the drugs are readily available, and the hospital has proper coolers.

The government has introduced initiatives that have improved the ecosystem for patients like me. The Ministry of Health launched the Cancer Access Partnership Programme, which allows drugs available in developed countries to enter Nigeria at reasonable rates.

Under the Buhari administration, the Cancer Health Fund was established to help Nigerians access cancer medications. Funds are allocated in a personal wallet after a rigorous process.

Initially, one of the greatest risks for cancer patients was the prevalence of fake drugs. Price mattered less than authenticity. Government partnerships and health initiatives have made it much easier to access genuine medications. The government is also investing in better equipment for hospitals, especially tertiary institutions.

However, the biggest gap remains awareness. You can have all the money in the world, but if you don’t know you have cancer, that money is useless. Awareness and stigma are still major challenges in Nigeria.

How did lifestyle changes help your recovery journey?

In Canada, vegetables are very expensive, especially organic ones. It’s amazing how much we spend on food there. In Nigeria, I can access healthy, organic vegetables much more affordably, but only if you are disciplined enough to eat them. Discipline is key. Eating fresh vegetables is cheaper and healthier than processed foods, even though sticking to it can be tough.

What personal lessons from your journey are most relevant for Nigerians facing the same situation?

If anyone notices a lump or discharge in their breast or cervix, the first step is to authenticate the diagnosis. If possible, get a second opinion. If not, don’t wait; ask your doctor immediately what to do. Faith is important; I prayed and read the Bible, but I also relied on science. Combining both is powerful.

The Federal Ministry of Health provides cancer information, and I want to highlight this for government workers and civil servants who may hide their diagnosis, thinking they can’t afford treatment.

The National Health Insurance Authority has programmes in partnership with Roche Pharmaceuticals and other providers to support cancer patients. There is help for private-sector workers, too, like me. People should also reach out to organisations such as the Nigerian Cancer Society and Medicaid. When diagnosed with cancer, many freeze out of fear, but assistance is available. (Sunday PUNCH)