Community Pharmacists Key to Reducing Breast Cancer Mortality – ACPN
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has stressed the critical role of early breast cancer detection in lowering mortality rates among Nigerian women.
Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of ACPN, Pharmacist Adebayo Gbadamosi, made this known during a one-day breast care awareness training organised by the Department of Radiation Oncology, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, Gbadamosi lamented the persistently low awareness of breast cancer, particularly at the grassroots level, where access to health education and screenings remains limited.
“Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women in Nigeria,” he said. “However, early detection significantly increases the chances of survival.”
Community Pharmacists as First Responders
Gbadamosi underscored the strategic position of community pharmacists as the first point of contact in many communities, particularly in rural areas where medical infrastructure is weak or absent.
“Community pharmacists are trusted and accessible. If properly integrated into the primary healthcare system, they can be instrumental in detecting symptoms early and referring patients for timely intervention,” he stated.
He called on all levels of government to adopt policies that empower every member of the healthcare team to reach their full potential. According to him, such inclusivity would not only reduce unhealthy rivalries within the sector but also result in improved healthcare outcomes.
Call for Policy Reforms in Primary Healthcare
The ACPN chairman advocated for community pharmacies to be officially recognised as vital components of Nigeria’s primary healthcare infrastructure. He emphasized that their accessibility and trust within communities uniquely position them to drive early screening initiatives, especially in underserved areas.
“If governments at the federal, state, and local levels implement policies that integrate and support the roles of pharmacists in public health, the nation’s overall healthcare indices will improve dramatically,” Gbadamosi said.
Conclusion
As Nigeria continues to battle high rates of cancer-related deaths, health experts are urging for better collaboration across the medical field. Empowering frontline health workers like community pharmacists may be a crucial step in tackling diseases like breast cancer more effectively.
