Cancer is Not a Death Sentence.

Mrs. Mojisola Animashaun is the Founder and Trustee of the St. Cyril Cancer Treatment Foundation and the CEO of Oak Cancer Specialist Hospitals. She is a dedicated advocate for cancer awareness and a highly experienced radiation therapist with nearly forty years of clinical practice. Mrs. Animashaun serves on the inaugural Board of Trustees for the Association of Radiation Therapists of Nigeria and has previously held roles as a Board Member of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria and as Vice Chairman of the ARN Lagos State chapter. 

Having retired as Deputy Director and Administrator of the Oncology Unit at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, she has also contributed to numerous state committees on cancer. Notably, she coordinated a breast and cervical cancer screening program across ten primary health centers in Lagos State. 

Mrs. Animashaun holds a Diploma in Radiation Therapy (DCRT) from Newcastle Schools of Radiography, UK (now part of the University of Liverpool), obtained in 1979. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration (BSHA) from the University of Phoenix, USA, and is certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Her teaching experience includes lecturing in radiation physics at the School of Radiography in Lagos, Nigeria, and serving as a Clinical Coordinator and faculty member at the Institute of Allied Medical Professions in Florida, USA.

A sought-after speaker, Mrs. Animashaun has presented at numerous conferences. She has authored and contributed to multiple publications, including Radiosurgery for Extracranial Tumors (published by the American Society for Radiologic Technologists), Cancer Awareness in Nigeria: The Good News (by Kadaria Ahmed), Prevention and Awareness of Cancer in Primary Health Centres in Lagos State, and Cancer Data in Africa: Current Status and Comparative Study.

Through the St. Cyril Cancer Treatment Foundation, Mrs. Animashaun continues her mission to establish cancer treatment centers across Nigeria, aiming to provide patients with access to holistic, quality care. A passionate mentor, she has participated in mentorship initiatives with WIMBIZ and the Cherie Blair Foundation and regularly mentors young women on a personal level.

Her work has been featured in prominent media outlets, including Arise News, Vanguard Newspaper, Independent Newspaper, and ThisDay Newspaper, as well as the 7th edition of NBC.com and Forbes Africa Rising Women, which highlights African women making a remarkable impact in their fields.

What’s an interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?

I cannot dance. Let me rephrase that—I can dance while sitting, but when I stand, that’s when the problem begins. I’m also very conscious of my weight, something I’ve struggled with for the longest time, but I’m in a much better place now. This generation has highlighted and stood firm on inclusivity, which has helped me a lot.

What inspired you to pursue a career in radiation therapy?

When I was young, I visited LUTH, and one of my mentors at the time, Professor Duncan, who also happened to be one of the pioneers of radiotherapy in Nigeria, gave me a tour of the oncology department. I was instantly hooked. I had considered becoming a computer engineer, but this experience won me over. Seeing the work in the oncology department was fascinating, and I fell in love with the field.

As someone whose career choice was significantly influenced by a mentor, what role does mentorship play in choosing a career path?

I believe mentorship is essential. It’s important to have a visual representation of the person you aspire to be—someone who has walked that path before you. This helps you determine if it’s the direction you want to take. A mentor can broaden your understanding of their journey or help you refine your focus based on your personality and goals. Just like how we had school mothers in secondary school, mentors provide guidance and support. At every stage, a mentor is crucial in helping you navigate your progress, no matter what you choose to pursue.

What problems are associated with cancer care in Nigeria in 2024, and what solutions do you propose?

The main challenge in cancer treatment is the severe shortage of professionals and equipment. According to the WHO, we should have about 200 cancer linear accelerators for our population, but we don’t even have 10 functioning machines. This scarcity means that too few centers are available, leading to long wait times and overworked healthcare staff. In addition to the lack of oncologists, radiation therapists, and oncology nurses, the mismanagement of cancer care is a significant issue. General practitioners, who aren’t specialists, often treat cancer patients, which can do more harm than good. Your family doctor may not be an oncologist. Proper care can improve the quality of life, even in late-stage cancer, but this is rarely the case due to the shortage of resources and specialized care.

We’ve launched an initiative to raise awareness about this, urging people to only receive cancer treatment from certified oncologists. With telehealth, patients can consult specialists, even in remote areas. The bigger problem isn’t just the disease but how it’s managed in Nigeria and similar low- to middle-income countries. Limited resources and improper treatment management create inefficiencies, and this is where many fall through the cracks.

In the growing medical sector, would you say poor infrastructure and insufficient information regarding cancer treatment in Nigeria affect cancer patients’ chances of survival?

The survival rates of cancer patients have improved dramatically over the past 20-30 years due to increased screening and awareness. People are becoming more informed about cancer and are more willing to see a doctor early. Early diagnosis and treatment make a difference in prognosis, giving patients a better fighting chance. It’s not to say that treatment was ineffective in the past; I treated a patient in Nigeria with a cobalt machine back in 1984, and they are still alive today! It depends on the individual’s journey and the professionals involved—if everyone, from the oncologist to the radiation therapist and medical physicist, is doing their job well, and the patient is also committed, it can lead to better outcomes. We have made progress, but there’s still so much more to do to ensure that patients receive the comprehensive care they need.

What are the challenges in designing effective treatment plans for cancer patients in Nigeria, and what factors hinder their recovery?

The biggest challenge in treatment planning here is financial. That’s why we started the St. Cyril Initiative for Patient Support (SCIPS), to help those who can’t afford their treatment. While we don’t have enough funds to cover everyone, we guide patients on how to gather financial help from family or friends, which often brings them relief.

We ensure clear communication with our doctors, helping patients understand and follow their treatment plans. Having a solid support system like SCIPS in place, even if it’s not perfect yet, makes a huge difference in their journey toward recovery. We also have a donation program called OMIFAC. The goal of OMIFAC is to help our organization scale up. The idea is for 1 million people to donate N1,000 a month for 12 months, which would be enough to upscale the organization and better the treatment plans and opportunities for patients. The money is coming in, but at a slow pace, and we don’t have time—these patients need attention. We’ve had to create other means and make some adjustments just so we can cater to these patients regardless, but the program is still very much ongoing.

What are your approaches to treatments and the planning of patient care?

The basis of our foundation, St. Cyril, is to improve holistic patient care—from creating awareness to end-of-life care, or whichever point the patient comes in. We focus on making sure our patients are knowledgeable about their care; it’s important they understand their treatment options. We have a solid counseling system in place because we know that sometimes patients don’t ask questions, even when they should. Our counseling system also caters to the mental wellness of these patients. Some patients come in for treatment mentally down, either from their illness or issues at home. We ensure they feel better, but we also know when to escalate and refer them if we can’t handle it. We are committed to following international cancer treatment guidelines and respecting our patients’ time by keeping appointments. For chemotherapy, we’ve always used infusion pumps, which help reduce side effects and make the whole experience smoother. When patients feel comfortable, they tend to respond better to treatment. This focus on being patient-centric not only helps our patients but also gives our team a sense of satisfaction, knowing we’re genuinely making a difference in their lives.

What would you say is the most challenging aspect of your job, and how has your experience made it easier to manage over time?

My main challenge has been financial, especially when I can’t do things as quickly as I’d like. I’ve had to juggle a lot, and prayer has been a huge source of strength. Sometimes we start projects and hit major roadblocks, which means returning to square one. But I remind myself, "Moji, this is a mission you’ve been given," which keeps me going.

Starting this foundation in my fifties also had its limitations, but I believe it’s never too late to pursue your passion. While the financial aspect, especially fundraising, has been tough, I’m blessed with a young, committed team that shares my vision. They’ve taken it as their own, pushing things forward with incredible energy, and that’s been a huge positive for me.

Throughout your career in radiation therapy, what is one experience that has had the most significant impact on you?

I’ve had a few young patients who faced tough battles and didn’t make it, and those experiences hit me hard. They made me want to dig deeper into why they didn’t do well and what we could do to ensure that doesn’t happen again. It’s one thing for anyone to get cancer, but seeing young people in the prime of their lives facing such a challenge and not surviving—touches your heart and motivates you to strive for better outcomes.

As someone who has had experience in different schools and hospitals outside the country, what would you say is the disparity between cancer care in Western countries and African countries, particularly Nigeria?

There’s a significant disparity between cancer care in Western countries and in Nigeria, and it’s very wide. In the West, the system is continuously maintained and improved. If someone presents with a lump, they will likely get a mammogram the same day or within a couple of days, and if it’s positive, they can start treatment within a month. In contrast, in Nigeria, the journey is often much longer. Patients might wait months for a mammogram, and when they do see a physician, there’s often no urgency due to the overwhelming number of patients. Every day that passes means the cancer has a chance to progress, risking metastasis to lymph nodes or other organs.

Financial barriers add another layer of complexity. Patients may start treatment only to halt when they can’t afford subsequent sessions. That’s really why I started my foundation—to close the gap from awareness to screening. We must shift the culture in Nigeria so that patients feel confident walking into treatment facilities and advocating for themselves.

In creating awareness for cancer, what role do you think social media plays?

Social media plays a huge role. It has opened up a portal of communication to people regardless of location. It doesn’t matter if you’re in Zamfara or Borno—we can get the message across to you. So many people would be completely in the dark about the signs and symptoms, as well as the available treatment options, if not for social media. Social media has created a means through which you can ask questions and get feedback. This interview could reach people in Australia because of social media—it doesn’t matter where you are.

What are some misconceptions about cancer and radiation therapy, and how do you address them when speaking with younger audiences?

The first misconception is that “cancer is a killer.” The truth is, any disease can be a killer if it’s not handled properly. The notion that once you get cancer, your life is over, is wrong, and it needs to change. This is why we emphasize creating awareness. Whoever reads this, whether young or old, has the responsibility of correcting these wrong notions, whether among parents or friends. Although there are measures to reduce the risk, cancer can happen to anybody regardless of their lifestyle. There is a tendency for cancer cells to latch on and start growing, regardless of how healthy your life is. Just keep practicing a healthy lifestyle, and if by chance it happens, get immediate treatment. That’s why it’s important to be knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self about career advancement, and what would you do differently?

If I were to advise my 20-year-old self, I’d say these:

1. Stop complaining and start doing: Instead of sitting back and pointing out the problems, do something to create change. Don’t wait for others to act—be the one to make a difference.

2. Start early, but trust the process: Although I wish I had started sooner, I also recognize the value of the experiences I gained along the way. However, if you have a vision, don’t wait too long to begin—you’ll grow into it as you go.

3. Be responsible: With great blessings come great responsibilities. Always be ready to give back, and remember that what you do for others is what truly makes an impact.

What principles and qualities have you imbibed that have helped you forge ahead in your career development?

Integrity is the bedrock of everything I do. It means being honest, even in the smallest details, and maintaining that honesty throughout your life. It’s important that people can trust you completely—whether in personal relationships or business. Trust is invaluable. Integrity doesn’t come with shortcuts, and it transcends everything, from being sent on mere errands and being trustworthy enough to handle money to managing major projects. Get it, guard it jealously, and maintain it, and it should cut across every aspect of your life. From the moment you start your career and life, cultivate integrity. It’s something I’ve held onto from a young age, and it was instilled in me by my mother. The respect that comes with having integrity is priceless.

Also, be hard-working, diligent, and purposeful. Know what your goal is, keep it in focus, and continue to put one foot in front of the other. Be a problem-solver. Don’t take no for an answer. Just find another way around it—there’s always an ethical solution to every problem.

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