The Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) said it screened no fewer than 240 persons for various cancers in the State between January and April 2025.
Honestus Ayo Obadiora, Executive Vice President, Health and Social Development at LAPO, who disclosed in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City on Friday, said the initiative was carried out under the Community Campaign for Cancer Control (LAPO-C4).
Obadiora said the free screening was done on breast cancer, cervical cancer and prostate cancer.
He said a total of 120 persons were screened for breast cancer, 80 for cervical cancer and 40 for prostate cancer, respectively.
He also added that about 4,285 persons were sensitised and screened in the state amid the cancer crisis.
Obadiora noted that LAPO-C4 is
focused on early detection and public sensitisation to curb the alarming rise in cancer cases.
He stated that the sensitisation exercises were held in markets, community meetings, and local associations to ensure broad coverage and engagement, especially among underserved and at-risk populations.
The Executive Vice President, Health and Social Development at LAPO, however, listed the multiple challenges facing cancer control in Nigeria to include limited awareness, cultural misconceptions, and restricted access to screening and diagnostic services.
He expressed concern over Nigeria’s increasing cancer burden, with approximately 102,000 new cases annually, 60% affecting women through breast and cervical cancers.
“Early detection can prevent over 80% of cancer cases, while lifestyle adjustments such as healthier diets, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol can reduce cancer occurrence by up to 40%.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported over 20 million new cancer cases in 2023, with projections indicating a sharp increase, especially in low- and middle-income countries where healthcare systems remain underdeveloped,” he added.
He, however, called on women to prioritise routine health checks and stressed the urgency of community-led interventions in the fight against cancer.
He said since the launch of LAPO-C4 in 2016, the organisation has remained committed to cancer prevention, especially in rural and semi-urban communities.
“The programme operates in multiple states, with Edo State serving as a strategic hub for cancer control activities.
‘LAPO continues to advocate for increased government investment, public-private partnerships, and collective stakeholder action to expand cancer education, enhance screening access, and reduce cancer-related mortality in Nigeria, he said.
