No fewer than 6,000 Nigerians are set to benefit from the ongoing nationwide free screening and treatment program for breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.
Dr. Isiaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, made this announcement during the launch of the exercise at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He explained that the program will cover all six geopolitical zones, with 1,000 people from each zone receiving the free screening and treatment.
The minister clarified that the initiative targets individuals who have not previously been diagnosed but may show symptoms during the screening. “This screening exercise is targeting asymptomatic individuals – people who haven’t been diagnosed with cancer before.
“The goal is to screen 1,000 people per zone, focusing on prostate cancer for men, cervical cancer for women, and breast cancer, with early detection and treatment for those who test positive.
“We making it clear that this isn’t for people already diagnosed; there’s a separate initiative for them and this programme will cover six zones, with 1,000 people per zone.”
Dr. Salako highlighted that the screening program reflects the federal government’s focus on prevention as the most effective and cost-efficient way to manage cancer. He said the approach emphasizes all levels of prevention – primary, secondary, and tertiary.
He added that the Federal Ministry of Health is collaborating with other agencies to address social and environmental factors linked to cancer.
“We’re tackling environmental pollution and introducing vaccines like HPV and Hepatitis B as permanent prevention strategies against cervical and liver cancers. By the end of 2025, close to 50 million girls aged 9-14 years have received the HPV vaccine across the country,” he said.
The minister also noted that the initiative is part of plans to establish Cancer Centers of Excellence nationwide. He said one is expected to be set up at FMC Abeokuta, with completion aimed before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term.
He further revealed that the Federal Ministry of Health is working toward a national cancer screening program, including a pilot scheme to integrate basic cancer screening services into primary healthcare centers, with hopes for full implementation before the end of President Tinubu’s first term.
In her welcome address, FMC Abeokuta’s Medical Director, Dr. Titilola Ibiyemi, praised the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for the initiative, noting that it demonstrates the government’s firm commitment to reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases like cancer through prevention, early detection, and timely intervention.
She said launching the exercise at FMC Abeokuta underscores the center’s strategic importance and reflects confidence in its capacity to provide quality healthcare services to Nigerians.
Dr. Ibiyemi also emphasized that cancer remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria and globally.
“Breast, cervical, and prostate cancers in particular account for a significant proportion of cancer-related morbidity and mortality, largely due to late presentation.
“This screening programme is therefore timely, life-saving, and highly commendable.
“By bringing these essential services closer to the people at no cost to the beneficiaries, the Ministry is offering hope to thousands of Nigerians who may otherwise not have access to early diagnosis and prompt care.”
Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, described the program as both timely and life-saving.
“Cancer is no longer a rare disease in our country. Current national estimates show that Nigeria records well over 120,000 new cancer cases each year, with nearly 80,000 deaths annually.
“These are not just numbers. They represent mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and breadwinners in our communities.
“Here in the South-West, data from cancer registries consistently show that breast and cervical cancers are the most common cancers affecting women, while prostate cancer remains the leading cancer among men.
“More concerning is the reality that many of these cases present late. Patients often arrive at health facilities when the disease is already advanced, making treatment more difficult, more expensive, and survival less likely. This is why screening is so important.
“Evidence from our region shows that when screening programmes are expanded, more cases are detected early, especially cervical and breast cancers. Early detection gives people a fighting chance. That is why today’s intervention matters.
“By providing free screening for breast, cervical and prostate cancers, this initiative removes one of the biggest barriers to care – cost. It also brings awareness closer to the people and encourages individuals who might otherwise delay to take action.
“As a state, we recognize the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, including cancer.”
