Amid growing cancer concerns in Nigeria, influencer Ebuka (@plantboy.ng) has shared five daily habits he believes could help reduce cancer risk. His advice comes after veteran actor Taiwo Hassan 'Ogogo' was diagnosed with stage-four cancer, highlighting the disease's impact on Nigerians.
Influencer admits he is not a medical professional
In a video, Ebuka acknowledged he is not a doctor but said he noticed what he believed was an increase in cancer diagnoses among younger Nigerians. He then outlined five "common-sense" habits to lower his own risk.
While some suggestions align with established science, others require caution. Evidence-backed prevention includes avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, exercising, and getting recommended vaccinations, according to the WHO.
Habit 1: Be conscious of the water you drink
Ebuka advised Nigerians who can afford it to consider moving away from sachet water, known locally as "pure water," due to concerns about plastic packaging and microplastics. He noted that these bags are sometimes stored unhygienically, exposing them to dirt and rat droppings.
The WHO has confirmed microplastics in drinking water but states there is insufficient evidence that current levels pose significant health risks. Choosing properly treated and safely stored water is still a sensible habit, with attention to quality and source rather than assuming all packaged products are safe.
Habit 2: Don't overdo products on your body
Ebuka highlighted that many Nigerian women use multiple hair, skin, and body products daily and suggested cutting down. Not every cosmetic causes cancer, and using several products does not automatically increase risk.
However, being selective is prudent: read labels, follow instructions, avoid questionable ingredients, and resist social media pressure to use many products. The advice is about moderation, not proven prevention.
Habit 3: Maybe one perfume is enough
Layering two, three, or even four fragrances is common in Nigeria. Ebuka suggested cutting down on perfumes and using them moderately. There is no established evidence that wearing several perfumes causes cancer, so this is not a proven prevention strategy.
Moderation remains reasonable. If a fragrance irritates skin or causes breathing issues, stop using it and consult a healthcare professional.
Habit 4: Bring some greenery into your life
His least controversial suggestion was spending more time around nature. He encouraged having a small garden, growing balcony plants, or incorporating greenery into daily surroundings, citing research on health benefits of gardening and green spaces.
Gardening itself is not sold as cancer prevention, but physical activity and healthy lifestyles are important. A walk in a park or getting outdoors can support overall health.
Habit 5: Don't ignore the bigger picture
The key takeaway is that cancer prevention extends beyond sachet water, perfume, or skincare. According to WHO and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, about 37% of new cancer cases globally in 2022 were linked to preventable causes.
Tobacco was the biggest preventable cause, followed by infections and alcohol. Other factors include excess body weight, physical inactivity, air pollution, and ultraviolet radiation. Prevention starts with avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, eating healthily, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, getting HPV and hepatitis B vaccinations, protecting against UV exposure, and seeking medical care early.
Cancer is not always preventable, and a diagnosis does not mean someone did something wrong. Genetics, infections, age, and factors outside individual control all play roles. Nigerians have seen public figures like actress Ethel Ekpe (died 2024) and actress Stella Ikwuegbu (died 2024) battle cancer, while Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo died in May 2026 at 40 from advanced metastatic kidney cancer. The recent news of Taiwo Hassan 'Ogogo' battling stage-four cancer underscores the need for awareness and prevention.
