The ShieldHer Initiative has launched a free breast cancer outreach program aimed at empowering women in underserved communities with vital health education and access to early detection services.
The inaugural outreach took place on Thursday, July 10, in Ayetuntun Community, Bariga, Lagos, offering free breast screenings, general health checks, and referrals for further testing. The services were extended to both women and men in the community.
With the theme “Early Detection Saves Lives”, participants received clinical breast exams (CBE), as well as blood pressure, blood sugar, and BMI checks. High-risk women aged 40 and above or those with suspicious lumps were referred for free mammograms.
The event was held in partnership with Pearl Oncology, Operation Feed Africa Initiative, Sebeccly Cancer Care, and Complex Solutions.
Chief Monsuru Onifade, Secretary of the Ayetuntun Community Development Association, commended the initiative, saying, “I’ve been further enlightened on how crucial early detection is in fighting breast cancer.”
Udo Wisdom, founder of the ShieldHer Initiative, described the turnout as encouraging and noted that follow-up support ,including additional scans, mammogram referrals, and wellness resources, is planned.
“This doesn’t end here,” he said. “We’re committed to sustained support for those who need it.”
A Q&A session featured Nurse Abigeal Yusuf of Pearl Oncology, who addressed key concerns on risk factors and prevention.
“Everyone, including men, must adopt good health practices and prioritize regular checks,” she said.
According to the World Health Organisation, breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer death among women, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Early detection significantly improves survival rates, which exceed 90% in high-income countries but are much lower in developing nations due to limited access to care.
Programs like ShieldHer’s aim to close this gap by promoting awareness, encouraging breast self-examination, and linking individuals to diagnostic services.
The ShieldHer Initiative’s outreach represents a growing effort to combat breast cancer through education, community engagement, and accessible screening in Nigeria.
