SE4/EP 39: The Silent Cancer Epidemic in Africa | An Eye-Opening Conversation with Dr. Motolani Ogunsanya

Why is cancer becoming one of the biggest public health challenges across Africa? Why are so many highly trained African scientists leaving the continent? And what can be done to improve cancer care for millions of people?In this thought-provoking episode of the Pansa Pansa Podcast, host Kemi Seriki sits down with Dr. Motolani Ogunsanya, Nigerian-born scientist, public health researcher, and Assistant Professor at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.Dr. Ogunsanya's remarkable journey spans from Nigeria to the United States, where she has become an internationally recognized researcher studying cancer outcomes, health behaviors, health disparities, and rare diseases affecting underserved communities.The conversation begins with her personal immigration story—why she left Nigeria, the challenges of adapting to life in America, and balancing family life, motherhood, and a demanding academic career.The discussion then shifts toward one of Africa's fastest-growing public health crises: cancer.Together they explore:Why cancer diagnoses continue to increase across Nigeria and AfricaWhether lifestyle changes, environmental pollution, or better diagnosis explain the rising numbersWhy cancer survival remains significantly lower in many African countriesThe shortage of cancer specialists and treatment facilitiesLate diagnosis and lack of public awarenessThe role of prevention and early screeningCervical cancer vaccination and public health educationBreast cancer, prostate cancer, childhood cancers and other common cancers affecting AfricansThe future of cancer research across AfricaDr. Ogunsanya also explains how her earlier HIV/AIDS research in Nigeria prepared her for today's work in cancer outcomes research and health equity.Beyond cancer, this episode examines the larger issue of brain drain, asking whether Africa can continue losing many of its brightest scientists, physicians, engineers, and healthcare professionals while facing enormous health challenges at home.The discussion also explores racial health disparities in America, healthcare inequalities affecting minority populations, and why underserved communities often experience poorer health outcomes.Finally, Dr. Ogunsanya shares her vision for the future of cancer care in Nigeria and across Africa—and discusses how Africans living in the diaspora can become part of the solution.About Our GuestDr. Motolani Ogunsanya, DPh, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in Clinical and Administrative Sciences at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and a faculty member of the TSET Health Promotion Research Center and Stephenson Cancer Center.Her research focuses on:Health economics and outcomes researchCancer survivorshipRare diseasesHealth behaviorMinority healthPatient-reported outcomesHealth disparitiesPsychometric instrument developmentMobile health (mHealth)Black prostate cancer survivorshipSocioeconomic influences on lupus diagnosis and treatment outcomesShe earned her graduate degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin and has dedicated her career to improving healthcare for underserved populations both in the United States and globally.As Mo! Sibyl, Motolani is a polyglot and speaks 3.25 languages, including Korean, English, 0.25 French, and her native Yoruba. She currently lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She is also the host, producer, and interlocutor of The More Sibyl Podcast (www.mosibyl.com; @mosibyl). A weekly podcast for Blacks and Asians and those who love them. It is a platform for important issues such as acculturation, travels, preserving cultural values, mental health issues, heart stories, and so much more. Her podcast is on iTunes, Anchor, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Spotify, and every other venue.