In an effort to combat the rising cases of colon cancer in Nigeria, the Niola Cancer Care Foundation, in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has launched a public outreach aimed at educating citizens on how to protect themselves from the deadly disease.
The campaign, which took place at Omida Market, Abeokuta, sought to raise awareness and provide practical steps for cancer prevention, particularly among market women and the general public.
Speaking during the event, Eniola Akintunde, the founder and executive director of Niola Cancer Care Foundation, revealed that her personal experience with the disease—losing her husband to colon cancer in 2013—drove her to champion this cause.
She recounted how the cancer went undiagnosed in her husband’s body for four years, despite numerous medical interventions, including costly chemotherapy and treatment in India.
Tragically, her husband passed away after doctors informed her that any further treatment would have been futile.
“Colon cancer is deadly, but it can be prevented. My husband’s death was a wake-up call, and I’ve since dedicated my life to ensuring that more people are aware of the causes and take preventive steps,” Akintunde stated.
She emphasized that environmental and lifestyle factors, such as the consumption of chemically processed foods, exposure to generator fumes, and a lack of vegetables in daily diets, can significantly contribute to the onset of colon cancer.
“We have forgotten our original foods. People consume fast foods, ignoring healthy options like tiger nuts and locally grown vegetables. This is killing us slowly,” Akintunde lamented.
The outreach event attracted over 40 participants, primarily, market women, who were keen to learn about early detection and lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of colon cancer. Akintunde also stressed the importance of regular exercise and drinking clean water to maintain good health.
Among those in attendance was Chief Alhaji Saobanu Ajani, the Babaloja of Ibara Kingdom, who applauded the foundation for the initiative.
As the chairman of the Maternity Health Centre, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta South Local Government, Ajani stressed the need for regular medical checkups.
“People often ignore checkups until it’s too late. I encourage everyone to go for health screenings, even if it’s just once a year,” he advised.
Another attendee, Mrs. Folayemi Sowole, who traveled two kilometers to attend the event, shared how the sensitization campaign had enlightened her.
“I’ve learned so much today. I now understand the importance of lifestyle choices in preventing cancer, and I will make changes to protect my health,” Sowole remarked.
The Niola Cancer Care Foundation continues to advocate for preventive healthcare measures, urging the public to prioritize their health and seek early diagnosis to combat the spread of colon cancer in Nigeria.
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