Cervical Cancer: Lagos Council Launches Free Screening Program
On Tuesday, Hon. (Dr.) Ahmed Olanrewaju Apatira, the Executive Chairman of Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area, advised for women to rally together and unite themselves so as to prevent death from cervical cancer during a free screening and sensitization program that held at the council secretariat in Lagos.
Every year in Nigeria, 12,075 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Out of this number, 7,968 women have died of the disease which is considered to be the most common form of genital cancer. In order to end this, the council boss is urging the women in the state to be screened for cervical cancer, saying that an early diagnosis is necessary so as to flatten the curve of the most common form of genital cancer in women.
While he spoke during the program, Hon. Apatira, who being was represented by Hon. Angel Chidi Okoro, the Special Adviser on Health, urged for the participants to present themselves for periodic pap smear tests in order to end the ugly narrative as well as the avoidable death that is associated with it.
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“Our goal is to ensure that cervical cancer is eliminated in our society. To achieve this, all women regardless of status, class, race and education background must ensure they are screened at no cost and lead healthier lives. This is the essence of this awareness and cervical cancer screening program. Cases of cervical cancer in Nigeria are on the rise. And this is why we are here to create awareness of preventive measures and encourage our women to go for regular cervical cancer screening. The prevention of this cancer and other forms of cancers is the focus of our administration to preventing deaths and creating awareness to ensure that our women take appropriate actions to remain safe.”
Alhaja Sidikat Aramide Apatira, the wife of the council helmsman, who was represented by Mrs. Olaide Peters, the APC LGA women leader, stated that early detection and treatment are vital to the prevention of cancer-related deaths.
According to her, the awareness of cervical cancer has improved and she added that more women are now taking advantage of a free cervical cancer screening each time the opportunity presents itself.
“This is why we must spread the message, mobilize for action and change the narrative through collective actions to ensure that no woman develops cervical cancer, let alone die from it. We are also advocating for free screening for all types of cancer in women to encourage more of our women to come forward for testing. We will appreciate it if all stakeholders come together to inform and educate our women while also offering access to screening to save more lives and prevent cancer death.”
She also praised the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Primary Healthcare Board for their commitment in the eradication of cancer in the state.
