Benjamin Olowojebutu Foundation (BOF)

The Lump Almost Took My Life: Why Early Detection Saves Lives

July 28, 2025
In a quiet town near Abeokuta, Ruth stood in front of a mirror, staring at the small lump just above her right breast. It had been there for months. It didn’t hurt. It didn’t grow—at first. But something about it felt wrong.

She told no one. Not because she didn’t care, but because she was afraid. Afraid of what it might be. Afraid of what it might cost.

Months passed, and the lump grew harder. She finally confided in a neighbor who had once benefited from a BOF medical outreach. That conversation may have saved her life.


🎗️ Why Breast Lumps Are Often Ignored

Many women in Nigeria discover lumps in their breasts and do nothing. Not out of neglect—but out of fear, poverty, or misinformation.

  • “It’s probably nothing.”
  • “I don’t want bad news.”
  • “Hospitals are expensive.”
  • “I don’t want surgery.”

These thoughts are common, but deadly.

While not all breast lumps are cancerous, every lump deserves medical attention. The earlier it’s assessed, the easier and safer it is to treat.

But in many communities, access to qualified screening or diagnostic care is limited. That’s where BOF steps in.


🏥 The BOF Way: Compassionate, Preventive, Lifesaving

At the Benjamin Olowojebutu Foundation (BOF), our work goes beyond fibroids and surgeries. We are deeply committed to preventive health education, screenings, and early intervention—especially when it comes to conditions like breast lumps.

During BOF’s medical outreaches, women are:

  • Physically examined by trained medical personnel
  • Educated on how to do monthly breast self-exams
  • Referred for ultrasound or biopsy (if needed)
  • Offered discounted or free lump removal surgery

💡 Case Study: Ruth’s Life-Changing Decision

When Ruth attended the BOF outreach in her town, she was nervous. She hadn’t seen a doctor in over 8 years.

After a simple clinical breast exam, the medical team confirmed that her lump needed to be removed and sent for histology (lab testing).

The surgery was free, thanks to BOF donors. The lump turned out to be benign—non-cancerous—but had she waited a few more months, it could have become complicated.

“I thought it would cost me everything. But it didn’t. BOF didn’t just remove the lump—they removed the fear.”
Ruth N., Ogun State


🧠 Early Detection = Less Complication

Here’s what every woman should know about breast lumps:

  • Most lumps are not cancer, but all should be checked
  • Early detection prevents infections, ulcerations, or disfigurement
  • Minor lump removal can be done as an outpatient procedure
  • Cost should never be a reason to delay treatment
  • You don’t have to wait until it’s serious to speak up

BOF’s education model ensures that even women with no formal schooling understand when to worry—and when to act.


🧪 What Happens During BOF Breast Lump Interventions?

  1. Screening at outreach centers
  2. Diagnosis by qualified professionals
  3. Surgery under local or general anesthesia
  4. Histology (if needed)
  5. Post-operative care and counseling
  6. Community follow-up for healing and awareness

Whether it’s in a rural village or a city slum, BOF creates an atmosphere of safety, dignity, and hope.


📊 The Numbers Behind the Work

Since 2017, BOF has:

  • Performed hundreds of breast lump removals across Nigeria
  • Educated thousands of women on breast health
  • Helped patients avoid unnecessary mastectomies or worse
  • Restored confidence, health, and peace to families

💬 More Real Stories from the Field

Mrs. Adebayo, 52, had a painful, bleeding breast lump she hid for years. She thought it was spiritual. During a BOF outreach in Lagos, she received care and had the lump removed at zero cost.

“BOF treated me with more respect than some hospitals did when I had money.”


Blessing, 21, found a small pea-sized lump. BOF doctors reassured her it was likely hormonal but encouraged monitoring and follow-up. She now teaches her friends how to do breast exams.

“They didn’t just treat me. They taught me. That changed everything.”


💖 The Emotional Toll of Delay

Beyond the physical danger, untreated breast lumps take an emotional toll:

  • Anxiety about the unknown
  • Low self-esteem
  • Fear of death or rejection
  • In some cases, withdrawal from family or relationships

BOF not only treats the body but soothes the soul. Our patients are not numbers—they are mothers, sisters, daughters, neighbors.


🤝 How You Can Help BOF Reach More Women

Every outreach is funded by generous people like you. Here’s how to join us:

Donate:

₦20,000 can cover lump screenings for 10 women.
₦50,000 can help cover the cost of a surgical procedure.

Volunteer:

Medical and non-medical volunteers are welcome. You can help with organization, translation, patient prep, and logistics.

Sponsor an Outreach:

NGOs, churches, businesses, and individuals can fund a full-day outreach in a target community.

Spread the Word:

Sharing is caring. Post about BOF on social media. Encourage someone to check that lump. Invite others to give.


🎀 Final Words: Awareness is Power. Action is Healing.

BOF’s mission is more than removing physical lumps. It’s about removing barriers—barriers to access, to knowledge, to dignity.

Every time a woman is screened, every time a lump is removed before it becomes a problem, we save more than tissue—we save futures.

“Not every scar is visible. But when we act early, we can stop many from forming.”
— Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu

Together, we can help more women like Ruth step out of the shadows of fear—and into the light of healing.


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