Learn these 7 breast changes that may be warning signs of breast cancer, when to see a doctor, and how early screening at Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals can help protect your health. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women but finding it early can significantly improve treatment options and outcomes. While most breast changes are not caused by cancer, some changes should never be ignored because they may need a professional breast examination and further testing. At Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals, our breast care team encourages every woman to know what is normal for her breasts and to report any new or persistent change promptly. This guide explains 7 breast changes that may be related to breast cancer, what they can look like, and when to book an appointment. Why early detection matters Breast cancer can develop without pain, which is why waiting for discomfort is not a safe way to monitor breast health. Common warning signs include a lump in the breast or under the arm, changes in breast size or shape, nipple changes or discharge, and skin changes such as redness, dimpling, scaling, or swelling. Not every breast change means cancer. Hormonal changes, infections, cysts, benign growths, and normal differences between breasts can all cause symptoms. However, only a qualified healthcare professional can determine whether a change is harmless or requires imaging and further evaluation. Early detection may involve a clinical breast examination, mammogram, breast ultrasound, or biopsy, depending on your symptoms, age, and risk factors. Women at higher risk may need screening earlier or more often than the general population. 1. A new lump or thickening in the breast A new lump is one of the most recognized warning signs of breast cancer. It may feel like a hard mass, a small pea-like bump, or a thickened area that feels different from the surrounding breast tissue. A lump may appear in the breast itself or near the underarm. A painless, hard, fixed lump with irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous, but breast cancer can also feel soft, round, tender, or painful. This is why you should not dismiss a lump simply because it does not hurt. Many breast lumps are non-cancerous. Fluid-filled cysts, fibroadenomas, and hormone-related changes are common causes. Still, any new lump or thickening that remains after your menstrual cycle, increases in size, or feels unusual should be examined by a doctor. When to seek care: Book an appointment if you notice a new lump, a lump that does not go away after four to six weeks, or a lump that changes in size or texture. 2. A change in breast size, shape, or contour It is normal for one breast to be slightly larger or shaped differently from the other. However, a sudden or unexplained change in the size, shape, or outline of one breast can be a warning sign. You may notice that one breast looks swollen, heavier, lower, flatter, or more distorted than before. In some cases, there may be swelling without a noticeable lump. These changes can occur when abnormal cells affect the tissue or lymphatic drainage in the breast. Inflammatory breast cancer, although less common, can cause a rapid change in the appearance of one breast over several weeks, often with swelling, heaviness, warmth, or skin color changes. When to seek care: See a healthcare provider if one breast changes noticeably without an obvious reason, especially if the change persists or develops quickly. 3. Skin dimpling, puckering, or an orange-peel appearance Dimpling is a small indentation or pull in the skin of the breast. Puckering can make the skin look uneven, wrinkled, or pulled inward. In some cases, the skin may develop ridges or an appearance similar to the peel of an orange. This can happen when changes beneath the skin pull on the supporting structures of the breast. Dimpling or orange-peel skin may also be associated with inflammatory breast cancer, particularly when it occurs with swelling, warmth, or a rapid change in breast appearance. Skin dimpling can sometimes be subtle. Check your breasts in a mirror with your arms at your sides, then raise your arms and place your hands on your hips to see whether the skin changes become more visible. When to seek care: Any new dimpling, puckering, ridging, or orange-peel skin texture should be assessed promptly, especially if it affects only one breast. 4. Nipple changes, including inversion or flattening A nipple that becomes flattened, turns inward, or points in a new direction can be a warning sign, particularly when the change is new and affects one breast. This is known as nipple retraction or inversion. Some women naturally have inverted nipples, so the important question is whether the nipple has changed from its usual appearance. A nipple that once pointed outward but now pulls inward may need evaluation. Other nipple changes include scaling, crusting, flaking, itching, tingling, redness, or thickening of the nipple or areola. These symptoms can sometimes be linked to non-cancerous skin conditions, but they can also be associated with certain types of breast cancer. When to seek care: Make an appointment if you develop a new nipple inversion, flattening, scaling, crusting, or a persistent rash around the nipple. 5. Unusual nipple discharge Nipple discharge is common and is often harmless, especially if it is milky and occurs during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or after nipple stimulation. However, discharge that is not breast milk and appears without squeezing should be assessed. Discharge is more concerning when it is bloody, clear, yellow, or occurs repeatedly from one breast or one duct. While benign conditions can also cause nipple discharge, it should not be assumed to be harmless without medical evaluation. Avoid repeatedly squeezing the nipple to check for discharge. If you notice fluid on your clothing, bra, or bedsheets, gently clean the area and note the color, amount, and whether it comes from one or both breasts. When to seek care: Contact your doctor if you have spontaneous nipple discharge, especially

Welcome to the Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals Patient Portal Managing your health and medical records should be a seamless experience. To support your healthcare journey, we are excited to introduce the Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals Patient Portal. Designed completely with your convenience in mind, this new digital platform gives you direct, secure access to your medical information and hospital services. Whether you are at home or on the go, you can now manage your care anytime, anywhere. Take Control of Your Health Keeping track of your healthcare needs has never been easier. By setting up your online profile today, you can safely access our digital services and quickly handle routine tasks. Through the portal, patients can: Book appointments: Schedule your upcoming hospital visits with ease. View test results: Access your lab and diagnostic results directly. Track visit history: Keep a clear, ongoing record of your past hospital visits. How to Access Your Account Getting started is a simple, straightforward process. Follow these four steps to secure your profile: Get Your Login Details: Contact the Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals Contact Centre on 07080609000 to request your Hospital Registration Number (UHID). Visit the Portal: Open your preferred web browser and visit https://mobile.lagoonhospitals.com, or simply scan the hospital’s QR code. Enter Your Credentials: Type your UHID into the first login field. For your temporary password, use the mobile phone number you originally registered with the hospital. Secure Your Account: Click “Sign In” and immediately update your password to a new, secure one of your choice. You will use this customized password for all of your future logins. We Are Here to Help If you need any assistance setting up your account or retrieving your Hospital Registration Number (UHID), our support team is ready to guide you. Please reach out to our Contact Centre through any of the following channels: +234 708 060 9000 +234 913 938 3474 Send An Email Book Appointment Visit Us Set up your profile today and experience more convenient healthcare. At Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals, we will look after you.

Healthcare in Alaro City: The Launch of Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals is proud to announce a major milestone in our ongoing mission to enhance Healthcare in Alaro City and make quality, specialist medical care accessible to more communities. We have officially launched our newest healthcare facility in Alaro City. As reported by major news outlets like BusinessDay, this expansion marks a significant step in delivering our legacy of trusted, world-class healthcare to one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing economic hubs. We are bringing premium medical services directly to the residents, businesses, and communities within the Lekki Free Zone. Why Alaro City? Expanding Access in the Lekki Free Zone Alaro City, situated in the heart of the Lekki Free Zone, is a thriving, mixed-use development representing the future of urban living and business in Lagos. As this vibrant community expands, so does the critical need for reliable, top-tier medical infrastructure. We believe that everyone deserves access to healthcare they can completely trust. Our new facility ensures that world-class medical attention—delivered by experienced healthcare professionals, supported by advanced technology, and guided by compassionate, patient-centred care—is always within reach for those living and working in the area. Comprehensive Services at Our New Facility Whether you need immediate medical attention or routine preventive care, our Alaro City branch is fully equipped to meet your needs. We offer a comprehensive suite of services, including: 24/7 Emergency Care: Round-the-clock rapid response and life-saving interventions for critical medical situations. General Outpatient Care: Expert consultations and treatments for everyday health concerns and ailments. Family Medicine (Hypertension and Diabetes Clinic): Specialized, ongoing management for chronic conditions to help you maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Health Assessment Checks: Tailored health screenings including pre-employment medicals, fitness-to-work evaluations, food handlers’ tests, and comprehensive annual health checks. Immunization: Essential vaccination programs to protect children and adults against preventable diseases. A Legacy of Quality: Backed by 5 Consecutive JCI Accreditations When you step into our Alaro City facility, you are stepping into a hospital governed by the highest international standards of patient safety. Our commitment to clinical quality is reflected in our five consecutive Gold Seals of Approval from Joint Commission International (JCI). JCI accreditation is globally recognized as the gold standard benchmark for healthcare quality and patient safety. Achieving this feat five times demonstrates our unwavering, long-term commitment to meeting the most rigorous global standards in the way we deliver care. Moving Forward Together As we begin this exciting new journey in Alaro City, we look forward to bringing trusted healthcare closer to you. Our goal is to continue raising the standard of care in Nigeria, ensuring that wherever you are, you have access to the best medical support possible. We will look after you. Get Directions +234 708 060 9000 Send A Mail Book Appointment Visit Us

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in Nigeria and across West Africa. Stroke often affects movement, speech, cognition, and overall quality of life, while placing enormous emotional and financial strain on families. To address this growing burden, Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals has entered a strategic partnership with the West African Stroke Initiative WASI, a collaboration designed to expand access to world-class neurointerventional treatment and revolutionize stroke response in the region. The partnership marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s medical landscape, bringing advanced technologies, international expertise, and revolutionary minimally invasive procedures to a broader patient population. This article explores the significance, benefits, and expected impact of this collaboration. Understanding the West African Stroke Initiative WASI The West African Stroke Initiative (WASI) is an organization committed to providing comprehensive stroke care, including prevention, advanced neurointerventional treatment, and continuous medical training across West Africa. According to WASI’s official site, the initiative is positioned to become the first fully developed neurointerventional service delivery platform in Nigeria—a major advancement for a country of over 200 million people. WASI focuses on treating complex cerebrovascular problems such as acute stroke, brain aneurysms, brain bleeds, AVMs, head trauma, and spinal vascular disorders, while promoting evidence-based, culturally tailored interventions. Additionally, WASI provides training for neurosurgeons, radiologists, and neurologists, thereby strengthening the specialized medical workforce needed to deliver these life-saving services. Why This Collaboration Matters Bringing Life-Saving Stroke Treatment Closer to Nigerians Advanced stroke treatment, specifically endovascular neurointervention, is difficult to access in most parts of Nigeria. Very few hospitals have the equipment and expertise required to perform procedures such as mechanical thrombectomy, aneurysm coiling, or flow diversion. These limitations prevent many patients from receiving timely, life-saving care. With this partnership: Patients can now access advanced imaging and minimally invasive treatments locally. Life-saving interventions that once required travel abroad can now be performed in Lagos. Treatment delays, which significantly worsen stroke outcomes, are drastically reduced. Leveraging Lagoon Hospital’s JCI Accreditation Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals holds the Joint Commission International (JCI) Gold Seal of Approval, making it the only hospital in Nigeria accredited at this level for quality and patient safety. This accreditation ensures: International-standard clinical protocols Rigorous safety measures High-quality infrastructure Evidence-based care pathways Introducing World-Class Neurointerventional Care Endovascular neurointervention is a minimally invasive technique where specialists navigate micro-catheters through blood vessels usually via the wrist or groin to treat brain aneurysms, strokes, and AVMs. The procedures offer major benefits: Smaller incisions Reduced surgical risk Faster recovery times Access to areas unreachable by traditional neurosurgery Services Enabled Through the Collaboration The partnership enables a comprehensive suite of neurointerventional services: Acute Stroke Intervention: Mechanical thrombectomy, the removal of blood clots from brain vessels, is now available, helping restore blood flow quickly and reduce long-term disability. Aneurysm Treatment: Minimally invasive procedures such as coiling and flow diversion help prevent aneurysm rupture and catastrophic brain bleeds. Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Management: Targeted embolization helps reduce bleeding risks in patients with abnormal blood vessel connections. Carotid & Intracranial Stenting: Used to manage narrowed arteries and protect patients at high risk of stroke. Diagnostic Neuroangiography (DSA): Advanced imaging offers precise mapping of the brain’s blood vessels to guide accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Training and Workforce Development WASI currently leads grand rounds, workshops, and hands-on training for neurosurgeons, radiologists, and neurologists. The partnership expands these efforts by strengthening local expertise, reducing dependence on foreign medical travel, and supporting knowledge transfer from international specialists. Conclusion The collaboration between Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals and WASI represents a monumental step forward in Nigeria’s healthcare system. With advanced technology and internationally trained specialists, this partnership brings real hope to stroke patients and their families, ensuring world-class care is available when they need it most. We will look after you. Get Directions +234 913 938 3461 Send A Mail Book Appointment Visit: Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals Victoria Island, 3B, Ligali Ayorinde, Fabac Close, Victoria Island Lagos. References West African Stroke Initiative Official Website – Services & Mission Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals – About Us & JCI Accreditation WASI LinkedIn Profile – Training & Neurointervention Activities

At Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals, we are committed to advancing health education and empowering the public with expert medical insights. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our radio health talk series – “Your Health and You” – airing every Tuesday at 5:30 PM on Classic FM 97.3, hosted by the vibrant and seasoned broadcaster, Chico. View More About the Program “Your Health and You” is a weekly health awareness program that bridges the gap between medical professionals and the everyday listener. It’s a unique platform where our expert consultants from various specialties simplify complex health topics, share practical health advice, and address common medical concerns in real time. Each week, listeners can expect informative conversations with specialists in: Why You Should Tune In Health affects every aspect of our lives, yet access to accurate medical information can sometimes be overwhelming or confusing. This program is designed to make healthcare inclusive, accessible, and understandable for everyone. You’ll gain insights into: Listen Live 📅 Every Tuesday🕠 Time: 5:30 PM📻 Station: Classic FM 97.3💻 Online Streaming: Click here to listen Join us weekly as we explore life-changing health topics with some of Nigeria’s finest consultants from Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals. We will look after you.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Breast Cancer Awareness Walk! 🌸 Each step we took together represents our shared commitment to the countless women, families, and friends impacted by breast cancer. Your energy and support made this event truly special and inspiring. We’re deeply grateful to our incredible sponsors, whose support made this impactful event possible. Your contributions help amplify our efforts, spread awareness, and strengthen our community’s resolve to combat this disease. But remember—the fight against breast cancer doesn’t end here. 💪 Awareness is a journey that needs all of us, every day. Let’s continue to advocate for regular screenings, early detection, and support for those in need. Together, we can bring hope, spread knowledge, and work toward a future free of breast cancer. 🌸 We also appreciate our sponsors Tolarem, Beloxxi and Corba Lancet Nigeria for keeping us refreshed. Thank you Eko Lastma for smoothly and effectively coordinating the flow of traffic. Thank you for joining us on this mission. Let’s keep walking the path of hope and resilience! We will look after you.

“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! 💗 At Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals, we’re committed to your health. From now until November 26th, get your Mammogram, Breast Scan, and Consultation for just ₦10,000. Plus, enjoy a 20% discount on Abdominopelvic CT, Chest CT, and Breast MRI. Early detection saves lives—book your appointment today! Visit us at any of our locations or contact us for more information: Call us at +234 803 318 4882, +234 703 052 7269, +234 806 575 7205 We will look after you!. #BreastCancerAwareness #EarlyDetection #HealthMatters #IwosanLagoonHospitals”

We’re honored to have had the privilege of His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo – Olu unveil and inaugurate Iwosan Lagoon Hospital, Victoria Island on Wednesday, January 24th. The new, 27 bed multi-specialist hospital is our Group’s Center of Excellence for Cardiovascular Care and boasts a team of world-class healthcare experts and advanced technology-driven medical equipment, including a Catheterization Laboratory for early diagnostics and treatment of a wide range of cardiovascular conditions. We are committed to employing and retaining local talent while also developing skill sets through international expertise. This commitment is to ensure a highly experienced, well-rounded, and diverse team, poised to support the advancement of medical care across Nigeria and reduce the need to travel internationally for healthcare treatment. We will look after you.

It was an honour to host the Honorable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, to a tour of Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals Ikoyi and Victoria Island, as well as the Iwosan Wellness Centre. Dr. Alausa and his entourage visited the NICU, Surgical Theatres, Cath Lab, MRI room, Dialysis Clinic, and other key areas of our hospitals while also interacting with patients and staff. Dr. Alausa’s visit to Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals reaffirms our commitment to providing exemplary healthcare services and fostering a culture of excellence in Nigeria’s health industry. We appreciate the Honorable Minister for acknowledging our efforts, and look forward to working more closely with the state government to deliver quality care to everyone. We will look after you.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller The gift of community is truly priceless! Our Blood drive was a monumental success that could not have been possible without the love, support and effort that was poured into this cause by our friends, clients, staff, and everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to show up and make a difference. Our thanks go out to our product partner Friesland Campina for supporting the event as well as Haima Health & Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee. We will look after you.

Congratulations to the management of St. Saviours School on the successful occasion of their mini-marathon, which took place at Ikoyi earlier today. Our team of clinical experts were also in attendance to provide timely medical support to all participants and event attendees. As renowned advocates of Wellness, we will continue to support fitness-themed events and help to nurture a healthier society. We will look after you.

We were headline sponsors at the recently held 2023 Stack Reform Conference; a gathering of students, entrepreneurs, and professionals who converged to analyze the latest trends and innovations in Nigeria’s health sector. As an organization passionate about talent development and knowledge advancement, we supported the event to spur innovation amongst the next generation of health and technology enthusiasts, and we look forward to actively participating in workshops of similar nature. We will look after you.

We recently supported the globally renowned Lagos Business School on the occasion of their Annual Wellness Day event. Dr. Tomi Kogo, Managing Director, Iwosan Wellness, delivered a thoughtful session on the importance of prioritizing Wellbeing in our personal and professional lives. Also, our Consultant Nephrologist & Wellness Expert, Dr. Banji Awosika, spoke about Stress Management & Wellness in both personal and professional settings. We look forward to working with more individuals and organizations to help them achieve optimal wellness. We will look after you.