Wife of the Kwara State Governor, Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq, has said that early detection of cancer disease remains the only measure to reduce untimely death among the people.
Speaking at the World Cancer Day event in Ilorin on Tuesday, Ambassador Abdulrazaq called for improved sensitisation and education on the killer disease among the people, especially, among women in order to attract higher survival rates of the disease and improved quality of life in the country.
“The burden of cancer continues to grow globally exerting tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on individuals, families, communities and health systems.
“In 2020, Nigeria recorded approximately 125, 000 new cases of cancer with breast and prostate cancers the most prevalent cancers in women and men respectively.
“Dreadful as this may sound, cancer, when detected as early as possible there stand chances of successful treatment.
“Early diagnosis improves cancer treatment outcomes by providing care at the earliest possible stage, this approach, however, is what is being adopted in Kwara state amplifying sensitization of our people on the need to present themselves for periodic screening to ascertain their health status”.
The wife of the governor commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his administration’s investments in the health as well as other sectors in the state, saying that his partnerships have elicited improved support for the state.
“A testament to this is the ongoing construction of the state-of-the-art Abdulsamad Rabiu Oncology Centre to further strengthen cancer management in the state.
“The state has also undertaken several rounds of free cancer screening across the 16 Local Government Areas with a view to detect incidents of cancer in the rural areas and provide support as required by victims”.
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She noted that “The theme of the 2025 World Cancer Day ‘United by Unique’ emphasizes a people-centred approach to cancer care, placing individuals and their stories at the heart of the conversation.
“It acknowledges that while cancer affects millions globally, each person’s experience is unique, and personalized care is essential.
“This year’s campaign no doubt speaks to the need for a fundamental shift in cancer care and health systems towards a people-centred approach, by placing individuals and communities at the center of decisions, health systems become more effective and cancer care more compassionate, leading to higher survival rates, and improved quality of life”.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, said that the state government has approved free breast and cervical cancer screenings across the 16 LGAs for nearly 2,000 people.
She said that “Many beneficiaries had their first cancer screens in this activity. All suspicious and positive cases were treated and linked to care.
“In addition, His Excellency has partnered with ASR Africa for the construction of the multibillion-naira Abdul Samad Rabiu Cancer Centre to strengthen cancer management in the state.
“Again, the harmonious environment created by HE has resulted in Kwara being among the states that the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) is partnering with to develop a diagnostic centre through its Diagnostics and Oncology Expansion Programme.
“These initiatives will considerably increase the quality of cancer management in Kwara while lowering the cost”.
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