Lagos Health Officials Lead Awareness Walk, Offer Free Breast, Cervical, Prostate Screening
Lagos State has commemorated the 2026 World Cancer Day with an awareness walk and free cancer screening for public servants, reaffirming its commitment to prevention, early detection, and improved access to quality care.
Organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Health through its Non-Communicable Diseases and Cancer Control programmes, the event featured a sensitisation walk around the State Government Secretariat in Alausa-Ikeja, followed by free breast, cervical, and prostate cancer screenings at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic.
Top government officials, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, and other permanent secretaries, led the walk across major ministries before concluding at the clinic, where civil servants accessed screening services.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ogunyemi described the day as one of reflection and hope, noting that while cancer does not discriminate, early detection through regular screening can lead to positive outcomes. She stressed that prevention is cheaper and less burdensome than treatment.
She also revealed that the state government is strengthening cancer care infrastructure, including plans to establish a comprehensive oncology centre in Alausa to provide prevention, treatment, and post-care support in one location.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, urged civil servants to take advantage of the free screenings, emphasising that regular checks save lives. He added that screening services are available year-round in state health facilities and that the initiative reflects Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
Other officials highlighted the link between early detection and improved survival rates, raising concerns about increasing cancer cases among younger people and urging residents to overcome fear and stigma associated with screening.
Free breast, cervical, and prostate cancer screenings will continue for eligible civil servants at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic from February 4 to 6 and February 9 to 10, 2026, while free mammogram screenings will run from February 2 to 13, as the state intensifies efforts to reduce the cancer burden through awareness and early detection.
