The Kwara State Government on Tuesday began free screenings for breast, prostate, and liver cancers as part of activities marking the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Cancer Awareness and Screening programme is being conducted at designated health facilities, including the Kwara University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), General Hospital Offa, and Primary Health Centre, Bode Saadu.
Speaking at the event in Ilorin, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, wife of the State Governor, expressed concern over the rising incidence of cancer in Nigeria. Quoting 2022 statistics from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), she noted that cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide.
“About 20 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2022, and 9.7 million people died from the disease in the same year. These figures call for decisive action to reduce mortality from these preventable illnesses,” she said.
AbdulRazaq emphasized the state government’s commitment to saving lives through sensitization, early detection, and timely medical intervention. She described cancer as a public health concern and said the screening programme aims to reduce its burden among residents of the state.
Earlier, Dr. Amina El-Imam, the Commissioner for Health, highlighted that cancer is a global health challenge that affects people across all age groups and communities. She pointed out that breast cancer remains a leading cause of death among women, while prostate and liver cancers are increasingly affecting men.
Dr. El-Imam stressed that most cancer cases are preventable and treatable if detected early. She urged residents to take advantage of the free screening, emphasizing that awareness and early detection save lives.
The commissioner also commended the state government for approving the construction of a multi-billion-naira Abdul Samad Rabiu Cancer Treatment Centre, which she said would strengthen cancer management in Kwara.
In brief remarks, Mr. Seun Ogunniyi, Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Health and Nutrition, said the government is making concerted efforts to tackle cancer. He advised residents to utilize the designated health facilities, noting that 20 to 30 percent of cancer cases are preventable.
