6 Cancer Types Most Common in Nigerian Women

By: Kelechi Nwaowu, RN, RM, BNSc, Freelance Medical and Health Writer. Medically reviewed by: the DLHA Editorial Team.

October 17, 2026

Photo of four Nigerian women, ranging from their twenties to their sixties, posing together against a colourful background. Image Credit: Leonardo, Click on image to enlarge.

 

Introduction

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among Nigerian women. 

Nigeria records an estimated 150,000+ new cancer cases every year, causing over 90,000 deaths annually, and women account for the majority of these cancer deaths [1, 2]. Despite this, most women are diagnosed late, that is, when the cancer has already spread, and treatment options are limited. Early awareness can, however, change that.

This slideshow guides you through the six common cancers that affect Nigerian women the most, the signs to watch for, and how early detection can save your life.

 

The Six Cancers:

1. Breast Cancer: Most Common Cancer in Nigerian Women

A cross-section of one breast showing the nipple, lobules, fatty tissue, and underlying chest wall, with a small coral-highlighted tumour within the breast tissue. Fact-checked for medical accuracy. Image Credit: Gemini AI. Click on image to enlarge.

 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Nigerian women, accounting for about 49.3% of all female cancer cases [1]. 

Risk factors include being over 40 years old, a family history of breast cancer, and obesity and more [3].

Monthly breast self-examination and yearly or biannual clinical breast examination by a healthcare provider are the most accessible tools for early detection.

Warning signs to know:

• A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm (often with no pain)
• A change in breast shape or skin texture
• Nipple discharge when you are not breastfeeding
• A dimpling or puckering of the breast skin

Related: Breast cancer in Africa: What You Need to Know

 

2. Cervical Cancer: Preventable, But Still Kills Nigerian Women

A frontal anatomical illustration of the uterus, cervix and upper vagina, with a cancerous tumour highlighted in the cervix to indicate the site of cervical cancer. Fact-checked for medical accuracy. Image Credit: Gemini AI. Click on image to enlarge.

 

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Nigerian women, with an estimated 12,312 new cases and 7,599 deaths recorded in 2024 [1]. 

In nearly all cases, cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a common virus spread through sexual contact; therefore, every Nigerian .woman, especially if sexually active, should receive HPV vaccination [4]. Because few Nigerian women have been screened for cervical cancer, most cases are caught late.

Warning signs to know:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
• A change in vaginal discharge, e.g., more than usual, or with an unusual smell
• Pelvic pain during sex

Related: Cervical Cancer: What African Women Need to Know and Cervical cancer screening information for African women

 

3. Colorectal Cancer: A Rising Threat for Nigerian Women

A frontal illustration of the large intestine with the main sections of the colon and rectum visible. A small coral highlight indicates one illustrative possible cancer site. Fact-checked for medical accuracy. Image Credit: Gemini AI. Click on image to enlarge.

 

Colorectal cancer (cancer of the large intestine or rectum) accounts for about 4.7% of all new cancer cases in Nigeria and is rising steadily [1]. It affects both men and women, but women with a diet high in processed foods, physical inactivity, or a family history of the disease are at increased risk [5]. 

It is of particular concern because many women do not associate digestive symptoms with cancer, and as a result, they dismiss the symptoms easily.

Warning signs to know:

• Changes in bowel habits, e.g., diarrhea or constipation
• Blood in the stool (fresh red or dark and tar-like)
• Persistent abdominal cramps or bloating
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue

Related: Colon cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Risk factors, Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention

 

4. Ovarian Cancer: The Cancer That Hides Until It Is Advanced

A frontal illustration of the female reproductive system, with both ovaries, the fallopian tubes and the uterus visible. The left ovary contains a small illustrative coral highlight labelled as a cancerous tumour. Fact-checked for medical accuracy. Image Credit: Gemini AI. Click on image to enlarge.

 

Ovarian cancer affects the ovaries (the organs that produce eggs in women). It is among the most dangerous gynaecological cancers because it rarely causes obvious symptoms in its early stages. 

By the time it is diagnosed in many Nigerian women, it has often already spread. Women who are over 40, started menstruating before age 12, and have not been pregnant before are at a higher risk of ovarian cancer [6]. 

Warning signs to know:

• Swelling of the stomach
• A feeling of fullness after eating very little
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Vaginal bleeding

Related: Common Gynaecological Cancers in African Women

 

5. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Growing in Africa, especially Nigeria

A front-view illustration of a woman showing lymphatic vessels and major lymph-node groups, with selected nodes highlighted in coral. A cancerous tumour shown in the groin. Fact-checked for medical accuracy. Image Credit: Gemini AI. Click on image to enlarge.

 

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and glands that supports the immune system. This cancer can develop in any lymph node in the body (e.g., the neck, armpit, and groin) and represents a little over 1 in 5 (23%) of all blood cancers in Nigeria, according to one hospital study.

Women are slightly less affected by NHL, but those with a weakened immune system (like those living with HIV), autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis), and a family history of the disease are more prone to develop this cancer [7].

Warning signs to know:

• Swollen, painless lumps in the armpit, neck, or groin
• Persistent fatigue
• Unexplained fever or night sweats

 

6. Corpus Uteri Cancer: Less Known but Growing

A cutaway illustration of the uterus showing the endometrium, uterine cavity, muscular wall, and cervix. The cancerous tumor in the endometrium is highlighted in coral. Fact-checked for medical accuracy. Image Credit: Gemini AI. Click on image to enlarge. 

 

Corpus uteri cancer (cancer of the uterine lining) is a major gynecological cancer that accounts for about 2.5% of all female cancer cases, with over 2,200 cases and 1,134 deaths in Nigeria in 2024 [1].

It develops in the lining of the womb, primarily affecting women post-menopause. Conditions that alter the balance of estrogen and progesterone in the body, such as obesity or hormonal imbalances, significantly increase risk.

Warning signs to know:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting, especially after menopause
• Bleeding between menstrual periods or unusually heavy cycles
• Abnormal watery or blood-tinged vaginal discharge
• Persistent pelvic pain or pressure

 

What Do These 6 Cancers Share? Late Diagnosis

A young Nigerian woman discussing with a female healthcare professional in a calm, clinical setting. Image Credit: Leonardo AI, Click on image to enlarge.

 

One of the biggest challenges with cancer in Nigeria is that most women are diagnosed at a late stage when the cancer has already spread, making treatment harder, more expensive, and less effective. 

The reasons for late diagnosis include:

• Low awareness
• Limited screening access
• Distance from healthcare facilities 
• Cost of care
• Cultural practices and the tendency to overlook or normalise symptoms. 

Early diagnosis is one of the most effective ways to save lives.

 

Practical Steps for Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

A clean checklist infographic for cancer prevention and early detection using simple icons for screening, awareness of symptoms, family history, nutritious food, and physical activity. Image Credit: Leonardo AI. Click on image to enlarge.

 

An important step in cancer prevention and early detection is to adopt healthy habits and get screened. You do not need to wait for symptoms to act. Here are practical steps you can take right now towards cancer prevention and/or early detection:

• Perform a breast self-examination every month and get a clinical breast examination yearly or twice yearly
• Ask your doctor or nurse about cervical cancer screening (VIA or Pap smear)
• Know your family history, and tell your doctor if a close relative had cancer
• Report any persistent, unusual symptom to a healthcare provider without delay
• Eat a nutritious diet containing more vegetables, fruits, and fibre
• Reduce processed and high-fat foods
• Exercise moderately and live a healthy lifestyle generally

 

Where Can You Access Cancer Screening in Nigeria?

A Nigerian woman speaking with a healthcare worker at a hospital or clinic reception. Image Credit: Gemini AI. Click on image to enlarge. 

 

Cancer screening and early detection services are available across Nigeria. If you or someone you love is suspected to have cancer, talk with your doctor or go to the nearest health centre. You will likely be referred for specialist care in any one of the following cancer treatment facilities nearest to you:

1. Federal Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres spread across Nigeria.
2. Private medical centres in urban areas in Nigeria, such as Lagos, Abuja, and others.
3. State General Hospitals: General cancer screening is available at most state government hospitals, often at low cost.
4. NGOs: Breast Without Spot (Lagos) and Project PINK BLUE often offer free cancer screening during campaigns

Related: Cancer Screening in Sub-Saharan Africa: When to Start

 

Conclusion

A group of five Nigerian women of different adult ages standing together in a supportive community setting. Image Credit: Gemini AI. Click on image to enlarge.

 

Cancer does not have to be a death sentence, but silence and late diagnosis make it one for too many Nigerian women. 

Know the six cancers. Know the warning signs. Get screened. Speak up about your symptoms, and share this information with the women in your life.

Awareness Is the First Step. Action Is the Next One.

 

References: 

1. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Nigeria fact sheet [Internet]. Lyon: World Health Organization, Global Cancer Observatory; 2024 [Cited 2026 Oct 4]. Available from here.

2. National Cancer Control Programme. Cancer burden [Internet]. Abuja: Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria; [Cited 2026 Oct 4]. Available from here.

3. World Health Organization. Breast cancer [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2026 Jul 3 [Cited 2026 Oct 5]. Available from here.

4. World Health Organization. Enhancing cervical cancer prevention in Nigeria [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2024 Mar 4 [Cited 2026 Oct 5]. Available from here.

5. World Health Organization. Colorectal cancer [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2026 Feb 13 [cited 2026 Oct 5]. Available from here.

6. Etukudo A, Mustapha A, Adamu ZA, Umar SS, Tukur Y, Yahya A, Abubakar M, Oguntayo AO, Audu BM. Ovarian cancers in a northern Nigerian hospital: Epidemiology, clinicopathology and treatment options. Nigerian medical journal. 2025 Apr 3;66(1):99. Available from here.

7. Singh R, Shaik S, Negi BS, Rajguru JP, Patil PB, Parihar AS, Sharma U. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: A review. Journal of family medicine and primary care. 2020 Apr 30;9(4):1834. Available from here.

 

 

Published: October 17, 2026

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