Abstract:

Like various other diseases, late presentation and diagnosis is discovered to be responsible for the inability to medically manage any type of cancer. It is believed that the attitude of late presentation if health concerns at health care facilities can be corrected if the media are effectively engaged to tackle it, especially in Nigeria, where media campaign on HIV/AIDS has increased knowledge, changed attitude  and helped to reduce prevalence rate..  For the purpose of manageability, breast and prostate cancers are the focus of this study. These two types also have the highest prevalence rate worldwide. Qualitative and quantitative methods of research were adopted, using questionnaire and personal interview. The questionnaire was used to gather required data from cancer patients on the knowledge of cancer and period of presentation. The results show that breast and prostate cancers still rate higher than other cancer types;  majority of the respondents had heard about cancer before being diagnosed, yet they presented late for diagnosis. It is recommended that the mass media be actively involved in setting the agenda, thereby effectively managing the communication process in terms of informing and educating the public on the need for early presentation for diagnosis to ensure better management.