Orthopaedic oncology experts have called for greater public awareness and routine medical checks to aid the early detection of bone and muscle cancers, stressing that delayed hospital visits continue to hinder successful treatment.
The appeal was made during the 2026 School Cancer Awareness Programme, themed *“Understanding Bone Cancer,”* organised by the Musculoskeletal Oncology Support Foundation at Tripple Cross High School in Ogba, Lagos.
The specialists used the event to educate students and members of the public about musculoskeletal cancers, while also addressing common myths associated with the disease.
Speaking at the programme, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Suleman Giwa, emphasised that bone and muscle cancers can be successfully treated when diagnosed at an early stage.
He explained that orthopaedic oncology focuses on cancers affecting the body’s bones and muscles and the medical interventions available for affected patients.
According to him, the awareness campaign was designed to encourage people to seek prompt medical attention rather than view cancer as an untreatable condition.
Giwa noted that many people wrongly associate cancer with supernatural forces, urging the public to rely on medical evaluation instead of such beliefs. He added that researchers are still working to better understand the exact causes of many cancers.
Describing how the disease develops, he said cancer results from abnormal cell growth that continues uncontrollably, unlike normal body healing processes where cell division stops once recovery is achieved.
The professor also advocated increased government intervention to make cancer treatment more affordable and accessible, saying financial support would help patients obtain timely care and reduce the burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses.
He advised individuals to seek professional medical attention immediately they notice unusual swellings or changes in their bodies, noting that early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Also speaking, orthopaedic oncologist and Professor of Orthopaedics, Samuel Eyesan, said educating young people is an effective way to spread cancer awareness.
He explained that children often absorb information quickly and can help pass important health messages to their parents, relatives and communities, making schools a strategic platform for cancer education.