Council holds free cervical cancer screening for grassroots women

The Executive Chairman, Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Dr Ahmed Apatira, on Wednesday held a free cervical cancer screening programme for grassroots women.

Apatira said in his remarks during the exercise that the screening would be done in phases.

According to him, globally, a woman dies from cervical cancer every two minutes, as it is the commonest genital cancer killing women, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

“It is the second commonest cancer affecting women in Nigeria, it is prevalent but not exclusive to the sexually-active women in the reproductive (childbearing) years.

“As a result of the high mortality risk from this condition, our administration is holding a free cervical screening programme for women in order to diagnose community women,” he said.

He urged the beneficiaries to spread the message and ensure that the negative narrative with regards to cancer is altered for good in the various communities.

According to him, he said that the goal of the administration is to ensure that cervical cancer is eliminated totally.

He added that women, no matter where they live, their incomes, their races or their level of education would be allowed to get screened at no cost and leave healthier lives.

Alhaja Sidikat Apatira, the Wife of the Council Chairman, said in her remarks that early detection and treatment are critical to prevent cancer-related deaths.

She said that was why the residents must spread the message, mobilise for action and change the narrative through collective action to ensure that no woman develops cervical cancer, let alone die from it.

According to her, awareness on cervical cancer has improved, more people are aware and taking advantage of free screening each time the opportunity presents itself.

“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 if all stakeholders come together to inform and educate while offering access to screening to save more lives and prevent cancer death,” he said.

Apatira, however, commended the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Primary Healthcare Board for its commitment to wage war against cancer in the state.