The Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the Coalition Against Cancer has conducted a free breast and cervical screening for 900 beneficiaries.
It said the exercise was conducted in commemoration of the World Cancer Day and to ensure healthy living among residents of the state.
Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, called on the womenfolk to enrol for breast and cervical screening as early as possible to prevent unforeseen circumstances.
Adeosun stated that “recent reports in the media showed that breast cancer was responsible for high death rates among ladies and women.”
Awareness
She noted that it was imperative to intensify awareness in various communities for proper management of the disease.
She admonished women to attach more importance to breast and cervical screening and feel free to ask questions from appropriate medical personnel, to get adequate treatment as and when due.
Partnership
The Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Bashir Bello, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Fausat Sanni, said the partnership became necessary to create the needed awareness towards curbing breast and cervical cancer.
Sanni also advocated the need for regular cervical check up for women, particularly after childbirth.
Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Health, Dr Funmi Salami also urged ladies and women to always go for screening for early detection which is cheaper and saves lives.
He said that Governor Makinde’s administration has procured the best screening equipment money can buy and are available for use in the state.
The Chairperson, Oyo State Coalition Against Cancer, Dr Olusola Taiwo, said the motive behind the exercise was to provide a platform for women to check their status and also access care immediately, with a view to reducing the number of deaths attributed to breast and cervical cancer.
Dr Olusola, who expressed satisfaction with the turnout, said that necessary arrangements had been made by the government and partners for follow-up treatment.
She said the screening would be based on the results of the screening, at government designated hospitals in the state.
“The turnout is impressive and we are here to attend to everyone diligently. I am calling on women to go for breast and cervical screening on a monthly basis for them to know their status,” Dr Olusola said.
The event also had in attendance the Chairman of the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, Dr Gbola Adetunji; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Adebisi Ayoola; Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Dr Adesoji Adeyanju, and a host of others.
The 2021 World Cancer Day has the theme: “I am and I will.”
Mercy Chukwudiebere
