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By Doris Obinna
The Lagos State Government marked World Cancer Day 2026 on Tuesday with an awareness walk and free cancer screening for public servants, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to prevention, early detection, and improved access to cancer care.
The event, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Health through its Non-Communicable Diseases and Cancer Control programmes, featured a sensitisation walk across the Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, and free breast, cervical and prostate cancer screening at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic.
The walk was led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr (Mrs) Kemi Ogunyemi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Dayo Lajide; Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District VI, Dr Olufemi Omololu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo; and the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Public Service Office, Mrs Sunkanmi Oyegbola, alongside partners and civil servants.
Participants moved from the Ministry of Health through key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including the Public Service Office, and the Ministries of Economic Planning and Budget, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Works and Infrastructure, Establishments and Training, and Commerce and Industry, before ending at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic.
Speaking, Ogunyemi described World Cancer Day as a moment of reflection and encouragement, noting that cancer survivors were present at the walk. She said cancer is often wrongly perceived as a death sentence, a belief that discourages people from seeking help early.
“Cancer does not discriminate, but early detection through screening gives better outcomes. Prevention is cheaper and far less traumatic than treatment,” she said, urging residents to make regular screening a personal commitment.
She added that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is strengthening cancer care infrastructure in the state, including plans for a comprehensive oncology centre in Alausa that will provide prevention, treatment and post-care services under one roof.
Also, Lajide said World Cancer Day was a time for sober reflection, describing cancer as a painful experience for patients and families. He urged civil servants to utilise the free screening services, stressing that early detection saves lives and reduces the burden of care.
He noted that cancer screening services are available year-round across Lagos State health facilities, starting from primary health care centres, and disclosed that the governor approved free screening for public servants at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic as part of efforts to promote workers’ welfare.
Commenting, Onigbanjo commended the initiative, noting that women and vulnerable groups often face barriers to early detection. She said early screening strengthens families, protects livelihoods and contributes to a healthier workforce.
While Omololu warned that prostate cancer is increasingly affecting younger men, he urged them to overcome fear and stigma by embracing regular screening. He said early diagnosis allows timely intervention and improves survival chances.
Director, Disease Control, Dr Victoria Egunjobi, said rising cancer cases make awareness and prevention more critical than ever. She reassured participants that screening services are covered under the state health insurance scheme and urged civil servants to participate without fear.
Programme Coordinator, Cancer Control Programme, Dr Abosede Wellington, said cancer cases are increasing in Lagos, with a growing number occurring among younger people. She advised residents to seek medical attention promptly when they notice unusual symptoms and described screening as the most effective preventive measure.
Wellington encouraged women to practise self-breast examination and access free cervical cancer screening available in more than 60 health facilities across the state. She also stressed the importance of HPV vaccination for girls and prostate cancer screening for men from age 40.
As part of the commemoration, free breast, cervical and prostate cancer screening will be provided for eligible civil servants at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic on February 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. daily. Free mammogram screening will also be conducted from February 2 to February 13, 2026.
