BREAKING BARRIERS: HOW DR. OMOLOLA SALAKO IS REVOLUTIONIZING CANCER CARE IN NIGERIA

Meet Dr. Omolola Salako, a visionary oncologist and “Oncopreneur” who has dedicated her life to combating cancer in Nigeria.Dr. Salakois not just a medical professional; she’s a force of change, a beacon of hope, and a relentless advocate for better cancer care in the community and beyond.

Dr. Omolola Salako founded Sebeccly Cancer Care, a not-for-profit that conducts cancer prevention programs. She is also the Founder of Oncopadi Digital Clinic, a tech-enabled platform that connects and empowers people concerned about cancer. She is the visionary behindPearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, andPROSECare AI, a state-of-the-art digital patient monitoring platform. Both initiatives have significantly contributed to advancing oncology practices in Nigeria.

She is a global health leader and an award-winning cancer researcher at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. With over two decades of specializing in oncology, she is among the 90 skilled clinical oncologists in Nigeria focusing on cancer treatment. She’s won several awards for her excellent work, including the 2023 Global Bridges Oncology and Pfizer Global Medical Grantsandthe 2021 Brightest Minds in Cancer Research from the AmericanSociety of Clinical Oncology. She launched her business in 2018 and today has 40 employees.

Dr. Salako’s journey into oncology was profoundly shaped by a personal tragedy when her younger sister was diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer.At the time, there were only 30 oncologists in Nigeria, and her sister couldn’t see any of them. Eventually, she was moved to the UK, where she got hospice care before she unfortunately passed on. It was that moment that definedher mission which grew into a purposeful career that now serves the cancer community.

Through her tireless advocacy and pioneering initiatives, Dr. Salako has positioned herself as a leading voice in Nigeria’s crusade against cancer. Her unwavering commitment to improving cancer care services and raising awareness about the disease has garnered widespread acclaim both locally and globally.

Here are some of her recommendations for cancer prevention that you need adopt towards reducing the risk of cancer and promoting your overall well-being.