Sekinat Salam, Abeokuta
Women diagnosed with breast lumps in Abeokuta, Ogun state, South-West Nigeria, have undergone free lumpectomy surgeries through the support of Uplift Development Foundation.
The surgeries conducted at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, follow a free breast health screening exercise, in which over 500 women were examined in September 2025.
Those found with breast lumps were scheduled for further evaluation and surgical removal at no cost.
This week, no fewer than 11 women returned to the hospital, not for another test, but for life-changing surgery.
Through the continued support of the foundation, women diagnosed with breast lumps during the earlier screening are now undergoing free lumpectomy surgeries, a step that for many would have been financially impossible.
The founder, Uplift Development Foundation, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, while monitoring the procedures, explained that of the over 500 women examined in September, 22 were found to have breast-related issues, prompting her Foundation to go beyond screening to offer full medical intervention.
“During our annual screening for breast and cervical cancer, about 535 women submitted themselves for examination, and 22 of them had issues with their breasts. We promised to bear the cost of investigations, surgery, and follow-up medication for those with suspicious breast lumps,” she said. “Out of the 22 cases, 11 of them required Lumpectomy Surgery.”
Amosun, who is the former first lady of Ogun State, said that the initiative was aimed at ensuring that Women diagnosed with breast abnormalities during the earlier screening received prompt and complete care.
She urged women to undergo timely screening for cancer to prevent death, stating that if detected early and treated, it can be prevented from killing them.
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“Cancer is not a death sentence. It only becomes one when people fail to take action or seek help early enough.
“Our goal is to ensure no woman dies from a treatable breast condition simply because she can not afford medical care,” she added.
Mrs Amosun appealed to public-spirited individuals to support women facing health challenges.
A Consultant in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Dr. Stella Ogunmuyiwa, described cervical cancer as another major public health concern, stressing that early detection remains the key to prevention.
She commended Mrs. Amosun for her commitment and consistency in sustaining the initiative over the past seven years, noting that the program has continued to save lives through awareness, screening, and treatment support.
The medical team also used the opportunity to educate participants on post-surgical care, regular breast self-examination, and the importance of early medical consultation for any detected changes.
For many of the women, the initiative represents more than just a surgery. For them, it is a fresh start for a new phase of being healthy. It demonstrates the power of community, compassion, and proactive health care for the people.
The Uplift Development Foundation’s ongoing health project continues to impact women’s lives across Ogun state, demonstrating how community-focused health care initiatives can save lives and reduce the burden of preventable breast conditions.