Cancer: Ogun governor’s wife tasks residents on early detection

On Mar 1, 2025

Wife of Ogun Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, has emphasised the importance of early cancer detection in saving lives and improving treatment outcomes.

Mrs Abiodun said this during a cancer awareness and screening programme organised by the State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Ajose Foundation, to commemorate World Cancer Day in Abeokuta on Friday.

She urged the people who had received key messages on cancer prevention and treatment to actively spread the awareness within their respective communities.

According to her, “Cancer is a deeply personal journey that affects not only patients but also their families emotionally, financially and in various other ways.”

She said that the theme for the World Cancer Day 2025-2027: “United by Unique,” highlighted the need for a people-centred approach to cancer care that would ensure that patients received individualised support and empathy.

“Ogun state has adopted a multi-sectoral approach to cancer advocacy by collaborating with traditional and religious institutions to take awareness campaigns to the grassroots.

“By engaging trusted voices within communities, we can dispel myths, encourage early screening and ultimately save more lives,” she said.

The governor’s wife observed that the burden of the disease was often disproportionately borne by the less-privileged, thus necessitating concerted efforts of stakeholders toward affordable cancer care.

She stated that beyond early detection, individuals and families affected by cancer required comprehensive support, including access to counseling, palliative care and financial assistance, to ease the cost of treatment.

In her address of welcome, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, said that state government recognised cancer as a major public health concern.

Coker said, This had necessitated the priority given to early detection, improved access to treatment and patients’ support.

She said that various initiatives, such as screening programmes, community outreach and partnerships with healthcare organisations, had been implemented to ensure that no resident was left behind in the fight against cancer.

The commissioner implored the people of the state to embrace the Health Insurance Scheme which covered yearly cancer screenings for beneficiaries.

She also called for collective action to reduce the burden of cancer in the state, particularly through increased awareness, patients’ support, advocacy for better healthcare policies and encouragement of regular screenings.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Adijat Adeleye, advised women to refrain from remaining silent about their health and take advantage of the screening services available to them.

“Breast and cervical cancers are among the leading causes of death among women, yet early detection can make all the difference.

“Do not wait until it is too late. Please get screened for breast and cervical cancer and prioritise your health,” she said.

Some beneficiaries of the screening programme, including Mrs Samiat Afuape and Mrs Selimot Osho, expressed appreciation to the state government for the initiative.

They described the exercise as an eye-opener, stressing that it had afforded them the opportunity to understand the importance of regular check-ups.