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…Flags off cancer awareness screening programme in Ogun
From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Determined to ensure early detection and reduction in cancer-related deaths in the country, the Federal Government has disclosed that no fewer than 6,000 Nigerians will be screened for the disease.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed this yesterday in an interview with journalists, shortly after he flagged off the National Cancer Awareness Screening Programme at the Federal Medical Centre, Idi Aba, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
According to Salako, 1,000 persons are targeted to be screened in each of the six geopolitical zones, making a total of 6,000 nationwide. The Minister explained that the initiative is specifically designed for asymptomatic individuals – persons who have not previously been diagnosed with cancer – emphasising that early detection remains the most effective and cost-efficient strategy for cancer control.
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“This screening exercise is not for people already diagnosed with cancer. It is targeted at apparently healthy Nigerians, to detect cancer early and ensure prompt treatment where necessary,” the minister pointed out.
He added that the programme would focus on breast and cervical cancer for women, and prostate cancer for men, which he described as the most prevalent cancers within Nigeria’s epidemiological environment.
He said the Ogun State flag-off would serve as a model for implementation across the country.
In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, under the leadership of the Coordinating Minister for Health and Honourable Minister of State for Health, for bringing the critical national intervention to Abeokuta.
