KWARA BEGINS FREE BREAST, PROSTATE AND LIVER CANCER SCREENING FOR RESIDENTS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Kwara State Government on Tuesday commenced a free cancer screening programme for residents of the state as part of activities marking the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The screening, which covers breast, prostate, and liver cancers, is being conducted across selected health facilities, including the Kwara University Teaching Hospital, General Hospital, Offa, and Primary Health Centre, Bode Saadu.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ilorin, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, wife of the state governor, expressed concern over the rising cases of cancer in Nigeria, describing it as a major public health challenge that requires urgent attention.
Citing statistics from the National Cancer Institute (2022), she said:“About 20 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in 2022, and 9.7 million people died from cancer in the same year. These statistics, no doubt, call for decisive actions to reduce mortality from these preventable diseases.”
AbdulRazaq reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sensitisation, early detection, and timely intervention, noting that the screening aims to reduce the burden of cancer and save lives.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, said cancer remains a global health challenge that affects all demographics, stressing that early detection is key to saving lives.
“Cancer impacts individuals across all age groups and communities, and we are not immune to its effects in Kwara. Most cases are preventable and treatable if detected early,” she said.
El-Imam commended the government for approving the construction of the multi-billion-naira Abdul Samad Rabiu Cancer Treatment Centre, which, she said, would strengthen cancer care and management in the state.
She urged residents to take advantage of the free screening and encourage their loved ones to participate.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Health and Nutrition, Mr. Seun Ogunniyi, lauded the initiative, describing it as a proactive measure to combat the cancer scourge in Kwara.
“Twenty to thirty per cent of cancer cases are preventable. I advise our people to visit the designated facilities for screening and medical advice,” Ogunniyi said.
The Cancer Awareness and Screening Programme is part of the government’s broader strategy to promote preventive healthcare and improve access to quality medical services across the state.
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