Cervical cancer: 300 Osun state women undergo medical screening

On Nov 5, 2023

Osun State Government, in partnership with the World Bank, has conducted free cervical and breast cancer screening for over 300 women living in selected rural communities in the state.

The screening was part of a three-day sensitisation and awareness campaign programme tagged, ‘Nigeria for women project’ and themed ‘Say no to breast and cervical cancer.’

During the campaign and screening exercise which took place in Oke-Ila in Ifedayo Local Government Area, Ogbaagba in Olaoluwa Local Government Area and Iwara in Atakumosa East Local Government Area of the state, over 300 women who were screened, were also counselled on the need for them to shun any act that could jeopardize their health.

Speaking in Oke-Ila during the flag-off of the exercise, the state Governor, Ademola Adeleke, represented by the Director of Planning and Research in the State Ministry of Health, Dr Olalekan Famakinwa, said the programme was aimed at improving women’s health, as their body was prone to different ailments due to child bearing and breastfeeding.

Famakinwa further explained that ailments like cervical and breast cancer could be treated if discovered early, adding that “Minimum of 100 women from each chosen local government areas will benefit from the free screening, while anyone found positive at the early stage of test shall be given free drugs for treatment and prevention.

She also advised women of 35 years old and above to go for cervical screening and do follow-up checkups after six months of the first one.

PUNCH/Wumi