Some residents of Plateau State have commended the Federal Government for organizing free cancer screening to promote early detection and reduce cancer-related deaths.
The commendation was made on Wednesday in Jos during the official launch of the exercise under the National Cancer Prevention and Control Programme.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare conducted the screening at Jos University Teaching Hospital, targeting 1,000 residents.
Beneficiaries received free checks for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer.
Mrs Patience Choji praised the initiative, noting that it enabled indigent residents to know their health status without financial burden.
“Most screening tests are too expensive for those struggling to afford food. This exercise is timely, and I urge the government to sustain it,” she said.
Mrs Susan Sokowa said the intervention allowed her to undergo screening at no cost and appealed for its continuation.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Kachollom Daju, explained that the programme was designed to improve access to early diagnosis.
“Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to reduce cancer deaths. This free screening especially benefits the indigent, enabling them to seek treatment promptly,” she said.
Daju disclosed that free screening for 1,000 persons is ongoing in each geopolitical zone throughout February 2026.
She added that individuals diagnosed during the exercise would receive appropriate treatment support.
Under the Health Sector Renewal Agenda, she said the government is strengthening primary healthcare, expanding insurance coverage, and improving access to diagnostics.
Cancer control efforts, according to her, include the establishment of multidisciplinary tumor teams, approved treatment guidelines, and implementation of the National Chemotherapy Safety Policy.
She emphasized that these reforms are citizen-centred, focused on reducing out-of-pocket spending and ensuring equitable access to quality care.
“Cancer control is not only about machines and medicines, but about dignity, access, awareness, and compassion.
“At the ministry, our mandate is clear: to reduce physical and financial pain and improve health outcomes for all Nigerians,” Daju said.
The Chief Medical Director of Jos University Teaching Hospital, Dr Pokop Bupwatda, described cancer as a leading global cause of death.
He urged Nigerians to participate actively in screening programmes, stressing that early detection significantly improves survival rates.
