Organisation screens 38,595 persons for cancer in 5 states

Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) Group says it has so far screened 38,595 persons for breast, cervical and prostate cancer in five states of the country.

Dr Honestus Obadiora, the Acting Executive Director of LAPO said this in a news briefing to review the organisation’s 2020 performance report in Benin on Friday.

He listed the five states as Edo, Imo, Rivers, Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He said that the screening was done under the LAPO Community Campaign for Cancer Control (LAPO-C4) project in 48 different communities between 2016 and 2020.

He said 83,405,597 target community members were sensitised on cancer, while 26,215 persons were referred for further screening and treatment in the period under review.

“The LAPO-C4 project is being implemented in five states, in collaboration with Community Based Organisations (CBOs).

“The CBOs which are funded by LAPO, create community awareness about cancers, train focal persons and identify persons for cancer screenings and referrals.

“They also identify well-meaning Nigerians in the communities to get financial support for treatment,’’ he said.

Obadiora expressed concern that almost 102,000 new cases of cancer occur annually in Nigeria, with more than 60 per cent in women due to breast and cervical cancer.

He identified poor access to screening services and inadequate awareness as the main barriers to cancer control in the country.

According to him, with early detection, more than 80 per cent of cancer cases are preventable, while 40 per cent of the disease can be eradicated by lifestyle changes.

He advised women to regularly screen themselves for breast and cervical cancer, noting that early detection saves lives.