Over 500 women in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria, have benefited from free cervical and breast cancer screenings, courtesy of the uplift Development Foundation.
The initiative, organised by the non-governmental organisation, aims to promote women’s health and save lives through early detection and preventive care.
The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting communities by providing access to essential healthcare services, particularly for women in underserved areas.
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The free breast and cervical cancer screening exercise of the Uplift Development Foundation is not just about testing, but it’s about raising awareness on two of the leading causes of death among women in Nigeria.
Globally, the World Health Organisation, WHO, says “more than 19 Million new cancer cases and almost 10 million deaths are recorded each year.”
The screening exercise, held at the Federal Medical Centre, in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, drew women from different parts of the state, many of whom said they never had access to such medical checks.
The Founder, Uplift Development Foundation and Wife of former Ogun state Governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, noted that the rise in cancer cases, in comparison to the limited access to hospital and high cost of treatment has necessitated the need for continuous advocacy and screening intervention.
Amosun explained that “the sobering statics highlight the importance and necessity for regular cancer screening.”
She said; “ Since it’s inception in 2012, Uplift Development Foundation has placed cancer advocacy, awareness and screening exercises on its front burner. The momentum has been sustained consistently over the years, and cumulatively, well over 10,000 patients have benefitted from our various interventions. “
According to Amosun , “the Foundation has over time erected, renovated and equipped cancer care clinics in each of the 3 senatorial districts in Ogun state to facilitate increased screening for women across the state. One is situated within the Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching hospital, Sagamu, another within the General Hospital, Ota, and the third within the General Hospital, Ijaye here in Abeokuta. “
She stressed further that the Foundation would continue to build on its legacy, saying her husband and former Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has made financial provision towards free lumpectomy surgeries for any patient found with suspicious breast lumps during the screening exercise.
According to her, those found with malignant lumps will also be sent for histology and further investigation.
Wife of Nigerian former President, Mrs Bola Obasanjo, educated women on the importance of lifestyle choices, including healthy diets, exercise, avoiding tobacco and reducing alcohol intake, which can lower cancer risk.
Medical experts at the event emphasised that early detection is the strongest weapon against cancer.
A medical expert, Dr Emmanuel Nkom urged women to embrace regular medical checks, carry out monthly breast examinations, and promptly report unusual signs, such as lumps, pain or abnormal discharge to health professionals.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude, noting that the high cost of medical services often discourage women from early screening.
The medical outreach forms part of ongoing efforts to reduce the burden of cancer among Nigerian women, while also encouraging a culture of preventive healthcare in the country.
This is the 14th edition of the Uplift Development Foundation free breast and cervical cancer screenings exercise.