The wife of Kwara’s governor, Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has called for sustained efforts to raise awareness about ovarian cancer, promote early detection, and improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment.
AbdulRazaq made the appeal at an ovarian cancer sensitization and awareness program held on Sunday in Ilorin.
She said the initiative aims to encourage women and healthcare stakeholders to recognize the disease early and improve treatment outcomes.
As the founder of the Ajike People Support Centre, AbdulRazaq noted that the campaign also involved Edo, Borno, and Kano states, with Kwara leading the awareness effort.
She stated that ovarian cancer accounts for about five percent of cancer-related deaths in Nigeria.
The First Lady, who is also the Chairperson of the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum, emphasized the importance of recognizing symptoms and understanding risk factors to improve outcomes.
She urged women not to ignore persistent or unusual symptoms and to seek medical attention when needed.
“Estimates from the Global Cancer Observatory for 2024 indicate that about 3,687 women in Nigeria were diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and 2,605 died from the disease.
These figures highlight the need for a coordinated response to delays in cancer care through increased awareness, early detection, proper referral, treatment, and palliative care,” she said.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Amina El-Imam, Commissioner for Health, commended AbdulRazaq for her dedication to women’s and family health.
El-Imam said the state government has invested in healthcare by revitalizing primary healthcare facilities and providing equipment to secondary and tertiary institutions.
She cited the development of the Abdulsalam Rabiu Oncology Centre by the ASR Foundation and the planned establishment of advanced diagnostic services at the Civil Service Hospital as part of efforts to strengthen cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter of the Kwara Health Insurance Scheme also spoke, noting that the scheme has over 100 healthcare providers serving more than 200,000 beneficiaries.
She stressed that awareness must be complemented by access to affordable, quality healthcare, including preventive screening, prompt diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
Prof. Kike Adesina, representing the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), urged women to pay attention to persistent abdominal bloating, swelling, pelvic or abdominal pain, early satiety, and changes in bowel or urinary habits.
She emphasized that awareness should lead to early presentation, prompt referral, and access to proper care.
Prof. Adegboyega Fawole of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) also urged women to report unusual or persistent bodily changes promptly.
In her presentation, Dr. Idowu Ogunlaja of Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH) recalled a case of a 54-year-old woman who experienced abdominal fullness, bloating, early satiety, and lower abdominal discomfort.
The woman initially attributed her symptoms to minor conditions but later sought medical help at a tertiary facility, where she was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer.
The cancer was found to be non-resectable during surgery, and she eventually died after being placed on palliative care.
Ogunlaja described ovarian cancer as a disease that often “whispers,” because early symptoms can be subtle.
She urged women not to ignore persistent bodily changes and called on men, religious, and traditional leaders to encourage women to seek appropriate medical care.
