Author: Gist Correspondent

The Federal Government on Saturday flagged off a nationwide cancer awareness and free screening programme, with the official launch held at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, said the initiative would benefit no fewer than 1,000 Nigerians in each of the country’s six geopolitical zones.

Salako explained that the programme underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to prevention as the most effective and cost-efficient strategy for cancer control. According to him, the intervention spans primary, secondary and tertiary levels of prevention, with emphasis on early detection and prompt treatment.

The minister noted that the screening exercise is also targeted at individuals who have not previously been diagnosed with cancer, in order to identify cases early and improve survival outcomes.

Expressing concern over Nigeria’s cancer burden, Salako disclosed that the country’s breast cancer mortality rate stands at 28 per cent, significantly higher than the global average. He added that Nigeria records the highest incidence and mortality rates of cancer in Africa.

“Cancer remains a major public health challenge. Our aim is to screen 1,000 people per zone, focusing on prostate, cervical and breast cancers, while ensuring early detection and timely treatment,” he said.

Salako further stated that cancer-related deaths in Nigeria now exceed fatalities from tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS combined, attributing the high mortality rate to late diagnosis and delays in accessing treatment.

He assured that the Federal Government would facilitate the establishment of a cancer centre in a tertiary health institution before the end of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first tenure.

In her remarks, the Medical Director of FMC Abeokuta, Dr Titilola Ibiyemi, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for selecting the hospital to host the launch of the programme. She said the decision reflected the institution’s strategic importance and the confidence reposed in its capacity to deliver quality healthcare services.