Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, widow of ex-Ondo governor Rotimi Akeredolu, revealed the dietary changes that helped her survive breast cancer for 27 years. She eliminated starchy foods and sugar, embraced a healthy lifestyle, and prioritized early medical intervention. Her story aims to inspire cancer awareness and proactive health choices.
Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, a 27-year breast cancer survivor and widow of Ondo State's late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, recently shared her battle with cancer and the lifestyle changes that helped her overcome it. Reflecting on World Cancer Day, she recounted eliminating starchy foods such as eba, pounded yam, and bread from her diet to avoid fueling cancer’s growth.
She stressed the importance of mindset and early detection, recalling how her educational background helped her take charge of her treatment. Betty was diagnosed with breast cancer at 44, but through her proactive approach and determination to raise her children, she sought treatment at Ibadan's University College Hospital. The early-stage diagnosis and medical care she received were pivotal in her recovery.
In addition to dietary changes, Betty embraced exercise, including jogging, and adopted a more health-conscious routine, drinking green tea, and lemon-ginger tea, and consuming more fish, chicken, beans, and vegetables. Despite her victory over breast cancer, Betty recently lost her husband to prostate cancer, a poignant reminder of the toll cancer can take on families.
Through her story, Betty aims to inspire others, urging individuals to take action against cancer, both personally and as a community. She continues to live an empowered life as a cancer survivor, advocating for better awareness and proactive care.
