Oyo Government Provides Free Breast And Cervical Cancer Screening

The Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the Oyo State Coalition Against Cancer, has conducted a free breast and cervical screening for about 900 beneficiaries in commemoration of the World Cancer Day.

The exercise which took place over the weekend was held at Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan, with the theme: “I am and I will.”

Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, called on the womenfolk to enrol for breast and cervical screening as early as possible to prevent unforeseen circumstances.

Adeosun, who stated that recent report in the media showed that breast cancer was responsible for high death rates among ladies and women, noted that it was imperative to intensify awareness in various communities for proper management of the disease.

Also speaking at the event, the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bashir Bello, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Fausat Joke Sanni, said the partnership became necessary to create the needed awareness towards curbing breast and cervical cancer in the state.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Funmi Salami, while admonishing ladies and women ensure that they go for screening so as to ensure early detection (which is cheaper and which saves lives), said that the administration of Governor Makinde has procured the best screening equipment money can buy and are available for use in the state.

On his part, the chairperson of the Oyo State Coalition Against Cancer, Dr. Olusola Taiwo, said the motive behind the exercise was to provide platform for women to check their status and also access care immediately, with a view to reducing the number of deaths attributed to breast and cervical cancer in the state.

Dr. Olusola, who expressed satisfaction with the turnout, revealed that necessary arrangements have been made by the government and partners for follow-up treatment at government-designated hospitals in the state.

The event also had in attendance the Chairman of Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Gbola Adetunji; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Adebisi Ayoola, his counterpart in the Hospitals Board Management, Dr. Adesoji Adeyanju, and a host of others.