The Federal Government on Saturday, launched a nationwide free cancer screening programme, targeting 6,000 asymptomatic Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones, as part of renewed efforts to curb rising cancer deaths in the country.
The initiative was officially flagged off at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State, by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, who said the exercise would focus on early detection and treatment of breast, cervical and prostate cancers the three most common cancers in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Salako said the programme was designed to screen 1,000 people in each geopolitical zone, with Ogun State serving as the South-West hub.
“For this particular exercise, we are targeting 1,000 people in Ogun State and 6,000 Nigerians nationwide.
“This is strictly for asymptomatic people not those previously diagnosed. Those who test positive will also receive free treatment,” he said.
The minister described cancer as Nigeria’s leading cause of death among non-communicable diseases, noting that it kills more people than tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS combined, largely due to late diagnosis and delayed treatment.
According to him, breast cancer accounts for the highest cancer-related deaths among women, while cervical cancer though preventable and curable continues to claim many lives due to poor screening coverage.
Prostate cancer remains the most common among men, while childhood cancers record survival rates as low as 20 per cent in low- and middle-income countries compared to about 80 per cent in high-income nations.
Salako said the cancer screening programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises prevention as the most cost-effective approach to public health challenges.
He disclosed that nearly 15 million girls aged between nine and 14 had received the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine nationwide by late 2025 to prevent cervical cancer, while hepatitis B vaccination was being scaled up to curb liver cancer.
The minister said the Federal Government had also begun piloting preventive oncology clinics in six centres nationwide, with plans to integrate routine cancer screening into primary healthcare centres before May 2027.
“The goal is to institutionalise a national cancer screening programme that routinely offers these services to Nigerians,” he said.
Salako further announced that the government was planning to establish a cancer centre of excellence at FMC Abeokuta, promising that the facility would be completed before the end of President Tinubu’s first term.
“Our vision is to commission an ultra-modern cancer centre here in FMC Abeokuta. Relevant officials have already been directed to ensure speedy implementation,” he added.
He urged Nigerians to take responsibility for their health by avoiding tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyles, unsafe sexual practices and unhealthy diets, stressing that many cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes and early detection.
Responding to claims that cancer was spiritual rather than medical, Salako dismissed such views, insisting that the causes of many cancers were well established.
“For instance, cervical cancer is linked to a virus. Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, while hepatitis infections are strongly associated with liver cancer. These are scientific facts,” he said.
Earlier, Salako congratulated Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on the state’s 50th anniversary, describing the hosting of the programme in Abeokuta as a symbolic contribution to the celebration.
He also commended the management of FMC Abeokuta, led by the Medical Director, Dr Sarah Titilola Ibiyemi, and the Governing Board Chairman, Dr Dayo Israel, for their leadership and commitment to quality healthcare delivery.
The nationwide free cancer screening exercise will run throughout February, in commemoration of World Cancer Day, marked annually on February 4.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
