Dec 17, 2009 - Launching Of The Cervical Cancer Awareness And Screening Programme
Cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer that is responsible for the death of women in the sub Saharan Africa including our country. In Nigeria about 68 new cases of cervical cancer are discovered every day. Out of this number, about 54 or 80% are discovered at very late stage. Hence, the increasing number of women dying as a result of this disease.
Cervical cancer awareness and screening programme being launched formally today is an initiative of the state government to save the lives of our women through public enlightenment as well as creating opportunities for them to be screened for early detection and treatment.
Like most other types of cancers including breast cancer which is also posing great challenge to women, early detection is very vital because it is the only guarantee for a successful treatment. It is very risky to wait till we start noticing the symptoms because by then, it may be too late.
Today’s message therefore is that every woman should take the issue of regular screening very seriously and it is free of charge at the various Primary Health Care Centres located in Local Government and Local Council Development Areas within the State. Treatment of cervical cancer if discovered at the early stage is also free while a referral centre has been established at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital.
I am aware that since the commencement of this programme last year at St. Kizito Primary Health Care Centre in Lekki, a total of 1,995 women were screened during community storms in Ikeja and Ikorodu divisions of the State. With the formal launch taking place here today, it is my hope that the current level of awareness will be stepped up and more of our women will continue to come forward for regular screening at our Primary Health Care Centres.
I plead with every woman that is present at this ceremony not to leave this place without being screened. It is a great opportunity that must not be missed by anyone. It is also important that we all take this message of regular screening for cervical cancer to those that are not here today.
I applaud the commitment of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and the Ministry of Health as well as the efforts of the various non-governmental organisations such as the BLOOM Cancer Support Centre and Medical Women Association of Nigeria towards reducing the scourge of cervical cancer in our State.
Let us all play a part in this effort and together we shall overcome the challenge of the disease.
It is on this note that I formally launch the Cervical Cancer Screening and Awareness Programme for the good health and well being of our women.
I wish you Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Thank you and God bless you all.
Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State