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By Rasheedat Oladotun-Iliyas
A comprehensive screening exercise for breast, prostate, and liver cancers has begun in Kwara State.
The programme which is part of activities marking this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, was launched by the State Government in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The exercise will avail residents across the sixteen local government areas to go for screening at designated health facilities including the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, KWASUTH; General Hospital, Offa; and the Primary Healthcare Centre, Bode Saadu.
In a keynote address at the event, the First Lady of Kwara State, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, explained that the programme would promote early detection and prevention of cancer among residents.
Citing statistics from the National Cancer Institute, Ambassador Abdulrazaq pointed out that about 20 million new cancer cases were diagnosed globally in 2022, with 9.7 million deaths recorded.
She maintained that when detected early, deaths arising from cancer are preventable.
“These statistics call for decisive and coordinated actions to reduce mortality from these preventable diseases.”
Ambassador Abdulrazaq reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to health education, early detection, and timely intervention.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, described cancer as a global health challenge and that the mortality figures are not mere numbers but represents valuable family members.
“Here in Kwara State, we are not immune to its effects. Each statistic represents a person — a mother, father, sister, or friend — each with their unique story,” she said
Dr El-Imam noted that breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among women, while prostate and liver cancers affect men.
The Kwara State Commissioner for Health added that the newly approved construction of Abdul Samad Rabiu Cancer Treatment Centre by the State Government, demonstrates commitment to enhancing cancer management.
In a remark, the Chairman, House Committee on Health and Nutrition, Seun Ogunniyi, who noted that between 20 to 30 percent of cancer cases are preventable, urged people to seek prompt medical attention to avoid complications.
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