Diezani Speaks On Battling Breast Cancer And Early Detection

Diezani Alison-Madueke has been embroiled in a legal battle with the EFCC over money laundering and other financial crimes

In July 2020, a bench warrant was issued for her arrest after she failed to appear in court to face the charges against her.

She has since claimed that she was not on the run but had travelled to the UK in 2015 to seek treatment for breast cancer.

In this article, we explore her battle with cancer and the importance of early detection.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Diezani Alison-Madueke has revealed that she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, which is one of the most aggressive forms of the disease.

This type of breast cancer does not have receptors for estrogen, progesterone, or HER2/neu. Which are the hormones and proteins that fuel the growth of most breast cancers. As a result, it cannot be treated with hormone therapy or drugs that target HER2/neu.

The treatment for triple negative breast cancer typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Alison-Madueke underwent two operations, eight months of intensive chemotherapy, and five weeks of radiotherapy.

She has also undergone intensive medical care and treatment in the UK since her diagnosis in May 2015.

The Importance of Early Detection

The case of Diezani Alison-Madueke highlights the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer.

The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

Women should start conducting breast self-exams from their 20s. And undergo clinical breast exams by a healthcare professional at least once every three years from their 20s to their 40s.

After the age of 40, women should undergo a clinical breast exam every year and have a mammogram every one to two years.

Regular breast cancer screening is especially important for women who are at higher risk of the disease.

Factors that increase the risk of breast cancer include a family history of the disease. Certain gene mutations, dense breast tissue, and previous radiation therapy to the chest area.

Women who are at higher risk may need to start screening earlier, undergo more frequent screening, or undergo additional tests such as breast MRI.

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Diezani Alison-Madueke’s Legal Battle

Diezani Alison-Madueke has been facing charges of money laundering, bribery, and other financial crimes since her tenure as Minister of Petroleum Resources between 2010 and 2015.

She has been accused of siphoning billions of dollars from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). And laundering the funds through various means, including the purchase of properties in Nigeria, the UK, and the US.

The EFCC has been seeking her extradition from the UK to face trial in Nigeria. But she has resisted the move, claiming that the charges against her are politically motivated and that she will not get a fair trial in Nigeria.

She has also argued that she is being persecuted for being a woman and a successful African in a male-dominated industry.

In July 2020, a bench warrant was issued for her arrest after she failed to appear in court to face the charges against her.

She has since claimed that she was not on the run but had travelled to the UK in 2015 to seek treatment for breast cancer.

In a motion on notice brought by her counsel, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), she urged Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon to set aside the bench warrant. Contending that it was issued without jurisdiction and in breach of her right to fair hearing.