The Cancer Consciousness Initiative (CCI), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), on Friday conducted free cancer screening for women in Jalingo.
Dr Hannatu Ayuba, the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, said that the screening was part of awareness creation towards access to cancer treatment for women in North East Nigeria.
Ayuba, a Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, said the screening outreach was organised under the 2026 Pinktober Cancer Awareness Campaign, themed “Awareness to Access”.
She encouraged women to be conscious of the prevalence of cancer as well as endeavour to access its diagnosis and treatment.
She said that early detection would mitigate it’s deteriorating condition in patients.
Ayuba also said the initiative was promoting inclusion by providing cancer health literacy to people regardless of their social status, age or location.
Ayuba said the organisation was also working with government and healthcare partners to bridge gaps in access to specialist cancer services, particularly in underserved communities.
She said its Teleoncology Hub Programme was designed to improve access to specialist care for people, including those living in areas without adequate cancer treatment services.
“We believe in inclusion. We are giving cancer health literacy to everybody, whether you are rich or poor, whether you have any disability or not.
“We are breaking the stigma. Cancer should be discussed, talked about and no one with cancer should hide or stay at home and suffer.
“I urge communities and everyone to embrace early detection and seek medical attention,” Ayuba said,
She said the organisation was supporting breast cancer awareness, ultrasound screening, biopsies and further investigations to determine the nature of tumours and guide treatment.
Ayuba explained that community patient navigators were available to help patients access hospitals, connect with appropriate specialists and participate in multidisciplinary consultations to determine suitable treatment plans.
According to her, the organisation was working with healthcare professionals and relevant institutions to ensure patients receive appropriate care and follow-ups in line with established treatment guidelines.
Dr Monica Amadi of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit of the Federal Medical Centre Jalingo expressed delight over the massive turnout of women for breast cancer screening.
Amadi, who is the Secretary of Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), gave assurance that the exercise would continue even after the stipulated days.
She also encouraged women to utilise the opportunity and test themselves so as to start early treatment when cancer is found in them.
Some of the beneficiaries of the exercise who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) appreciated the CCI for the programme.
Hajiya Habiba Musa, one of the beneficiaries, said that the early detection of cancer would reduce high death rate.
Musa called on women to make efforts in accessing cancer care for their better health condition.
Mrs Mary Patrick, another beneficiary, also said that awareness would go a long way in addressing the challenge of lack of access to cancer care.
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