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By Doris Obinna
CancerAware Nigeria, a women’s cancer non-profit organisation focused on cancer prevention and early detection particularly on breast and gynaecological cancers has marked its 10th anniversary, a decade of measurable impact in improving access to cancer education, screening and treatment support for women across Nigeria.
Its founder, Tolulope Falowo, said the organisation was founded in 2015, as it has become a key voice in cancer advocacy and a lifeline for thousands of women, delivering community programmes, public awareness initiatives and patient support services designed to reduce late-stage cancer diagnosis and prevent avoidable deaths.
She said over the past decade, CancerAware has provided free cancer prevention and early detection services to over 20,000 women, including mammograms, breast ultrasounds and pap smears.
According to her CancerAware Nigeria has educated over 300,000 people directly through community outreach and awareness campaigns and has reached more than 20 million people online through digital education and advocacy initiatives.
She further disclosed that the organisation has supported 1,840 women with free cancer treatment and post-treatment assistance, distributed over 100,000 cancer education materials nationwide.
“Cancer Aware Nigeria has mobilised 43,317 people to sign a petition for HPV vaccine inclusion in the national immunisation schedule. It has also launched 24 programmes and initiatives, including the MobiPINK Breast Cancer Helpline and the Breast Cancer Early Detection programme.”
Falowo also noted that CancerAware Nigeria has partnered with 80 brands and corporates, with 64 media features across TV, radio and print as well as responded to over 25,000 helpline, email and website enquiries providing vital guidance and emotional support.
She said: “When we started CancerAware in 2015, we were driven by a simple but powerful belief: that no woman should die from a cancer that can be prevented or treated if found early. Ten years later, we are proud of the impact we have made, but even more determined to reach the many more that still need access to education, screening and treatment.
“The fight against cancer continues and with the support of partners, donors, volunteers and wider community, we were able to do more. Throughout October, the organisation ran its anniversary campaign CancerAware at 10, spotlighting key milestones and stories of impact from beneficiaries, partners, volunteers and supporters.
“Looking ahead, CancerAware plans to expand its screening programmes to underserved communities, scale its patient navigation services and continue national advocacy for policy reform, including improved cancer care infrastructure across Nigeria.”
She however added that CancerAware is a Lagos-based women’s health nonprofit organisation committed to cancer prevention, early detection and patient support, with a focus on breast and gynaecological cancers; the most common cancers affecting women in Nigeria. “Its work integrates awareness, advocacy, screening, emotional support and treatment access,” she noted.
