In commemoration of the 2021 cancer awareness month, the First Lady and Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun has flagged-off free breast and cervical cancer screening for women in the State.

The ceremony held at the State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, was organised by the Office of the First Lady and Ajose Foundation in collaboration with the Medical Women's Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Ogun State Chapter, to create awareness on breast and cervical cancer.

The First Lady described breast and cervical cancer as the two greatest forms of cancer that had claimed lives of many women, noting that there is need for adequate education and enlightenment on the disease.

According to her, ‘’awareness on breast cancer in the State has improved, more people are conscious and taking advantage of the free screening each time the opportunity presented itself’’.

Mrs. Abiodun assured that the screening would continue throughout the month of October in the four divisions of the State, enjoining women to utilise the opportunity to know their status.

          She said "we will appreciate if the private sector, government and all stakeholders come together to enlighten the public on the disease, as well as offering access to screening to save more lives and prevent cancer death".

          In her goodwill message, the Commissioner for Health, represented by the Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Tayo Lawal reiterated government's continued support for the health care of women in the State, noting that one third of cancers in women are preventable.

          She advised women to seek early intervention, if cancer is suspected, adding that the health ministry would not relent in promoting programees that would translate to wellness of the people.

On his part, the Chairman, Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Emilola Gazal expressed his gratitude to the First Lady and MWAN for bringing the campaign to his local government area and enjoined women in the vicinity to maximise the good opportunity to their advantage.

The resource person, a Consultant Public Health Physician at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Adeola Ekundayo, while speaking on ‘Self-examination and Cancer Detection’, identified cervical and breast cancer as the most prevalent kinds of cancer in West Africa, explaining that early detection remained key to successful treatment of the disease.

    Dr. Ekundayo demonstrated how to regularly self-examine the breasts, listing the signs that could be noticed when cancer surfaces, urging women to seek medical help.

Some of the beneficiaries at the free screening unanimously appreciated the First Lady for her commitment to the wellbeing of the women in the State.