Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu opens up on 27-year breast cancer battle

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Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, wife of the late former Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has shared her experience of living with breast cancer for 27 years.

She stated that her survival was a result of early medical intervention, lifestyle changes, and a determined mindset.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, she recalled being diagnosed at 44 and choosing to seek treatment at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, instead of turning to spiritual solutions.

She stressed that early detection played a major role in her recovery, as her cancer was caught at Stage 1 with no lymph node involvement.

“To begin with, the major thing that saved me from untimely death at the age of 44 was my mindset and belief. I did not believe that my cancer was caused by anyone, let alone by a spiritual attack. So I did not go to a church or spiritualist—I went to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. My educational status also enabled me to figure out that cancer is a medical issue, nothing more. I was right!”

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Determined to stay alive for her children, she made major dietary changes, cutting out starchy foods and sugar, which she believes fuel cancer growth.

“That was exactly what I did. I stopped drinking soft drinks. No ‘swallow’ and no bread since 2000! My diet includes vegetables, smoothies, green tea, lemon and ginger tea, beans, moi moi, fish, chicken, snails, occasional rice, and zobo drink.”

Exercise also became part of her routine, along with actively engaging in breast cancer awareness campaigns through the organization she founded, the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN).

She highlighted the importance of emotional support for those battling cancer, noting that she helped create a community of survivors known as Team Survivors Nigeria (TSN).

“We now have a community of breast cancer survivors named Team Survivors Nigeria (TSN), which provides psychosocial support for members and showcases that a breast cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. Today, I am proudly a 27-year breast cancer survivor, thriving and still committed to the fight.”