By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Kwara Government on Tuesday in Ilorin flagged-off the screening for breast, prostate and liver cancers for people in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Cancer Awareness and Screening programme is part of the activities organised to commemorate the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The free breast, liver and prostate cancer screenings would be conducted at the designated health facilities including Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), General Hospital Offa and Primary Health Centre Bode Saadu.
Speaking at the programme, the Kwara State First Lady, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq lamented at the rising number of cancer cases in Nigeria.
Quoting the National Cancer Institute (NCI) statistics for 2022, she observed that cancer is among the leading causes of death world-wide.
“About 20 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in 2022, and 9.7 million people died from cancer in the same year.
“These statistics no doubt calls for decisive actions to reduce mortality from these preventable diseases,” she said.
She reiterated the commitment of the state government towards saving lives through education, early detection and timely intervention.
AbdulRazaq described cancer as a public health concerns, saying that the screening programme aims to reach people in the state who will be screened for breast, liver and prostate cancer in order to reduce the burden and save lives.
Earlier in her welcoming address, Dr Amina El-Imam, the Kwara Commissioner for Health pointed out that cancer is a global health challenge that does not discriminate.
“It impacts individuals across all age groups and communities, and here in Kwara State, we are not immune to its effects,” she said.
According to her, each statistic represents a person, mother, father, sister, or friend, each with their unique story.
El-Imam stated that breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among our women, prostate and liver cancers are increasingly affecting our men.
She however, said many of these cancers are preventable, and most are treatable if detected early.
The Commissioner underscores the importance of awareness and screening, saying early detection saves lives.
She commended the state government for approving the construction of a multibillion naira Abdul Samad Rabiu Cancer Treatment Centre.
El-Imam stated that this effort will strengthen cancer management in the state.
She appealed to people in the state to take advantage of this opportunity, and to encourage loved ones to be screened for cancer.
In his address, the House Committee Chairman on Health and Nutrition, Mr Seun Ogunniyi, added that the State is making concerted efforts in tackling the scourge of cancer.
He added that 20 to 30 percent of cancer cases is preventable, while advising people to seek for help in health facilities.
