DPHS Research Seminar series: Dr. Omola Salako - The Ecosystem of Hope: Scaling Evidence-Based Survivorship Interventions in the Global South

This session explores the dual challenge of biological aggressiveness and systemic barriers in Nigerian oncology. Drawing from a decade of leadership in the MEND (Mechanisms for Established and Novel Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Women of Nigerian Descent) study, we will examine how metabolic dysregulation and DNA methylation contribute to the high prevalence of aggressive breast cancer subtypes among women of African descent. Beyond the lab, the session highlights the "Ecosystem of Hope"-a hybrid model of care that integrates digital oncology, community advocacy, and specialized clinical oncology practice delivery. The presentation will feature the "GIFTS of Survivorship: You Are Bigger Than Cancer" book as a definitive cancer survivorship roadmap, illustrating how these 10 pillars provide the foundational blueprint for establishing the cancer survivorship centre. By sharing data-driven insights and scalable innovations, this talk aims to foster a dialogue on a scalable model that fosters global health equity and the future of precision medicine in sub-Saharan Africa. Biography: Dr. Omolola Salako Dr. Omolola Salako is a Consultant Clinical and Radiation Oncologist and a Senior Lecturer at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. A visionary leader in African oncology, she has dedicated over two decades to redefining cancer care through a "Bigger Than Cancer" lens. Dr. Salako is the founder of the Sebeccly Cancer Care NGO, the digital health platform Oncopadi Tech, and the CEO of Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital. Recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Global Oncology CEOs in 2025 by OncoDaily, her work sits at the intersection of clinical excellence, health technology, and molecular research. She is the author of "The GIFTS of Survivorship: You Are Bigger Than Cancer" and serves as a Co-Chair of the Research Subcommittee of the Nigerian Cancer Society. Currently a visiting scholar at Duke Population Health, her research focuses on the molecular epidemiology of breast cancer and the implementation of sustainable, patient-centric oncology models in resource-constrained environments.