NGO offers free cancer screening for women in Taraba

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Cancer Consciousness Initiative (CCI), has conducted free cancer screening for women in Jalingo, Taraba State.

The Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Dr. Hannatu Ayuba, said the exercise was part of awareness creation to improve access to cancer treatment for women in the North-East.

Ayuba, a Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, said the outreach was organised under the 2026 Pinktober Cancer Awareness Campaign with the theme “Awareness to Access”.

She urged women to be conscious of the prevalence of cancer and to seek early diagnosis and treatment, noting that early detection would help mitigate its deterioration.

According to her, the initiative is promoting inclusion by providing cancer health literacy to people regardless of social status, age, location or disability.

She said the organisation is also working with government and healthcare partners to bridge gaps in access to specialist cancer services, particularly in underserved communities.

Ayuba disclosed that its TeleOncology Hub Programme was designed to improve access to specialist care, including for people living in areas without adequate cancer treatment services.

“We believe in inclusion. We are giving cancer health literacy to everybody, whether you are rich or poor, whether you have any disability or not.

“We are breaking the stigma. Cancer should be discussed, talked about and no one with cancer should hide or stay back home and suffer. I urge communities and everyone to embrace early detection and seek medical attention,” she said.

She added that the organisation is supporting breast cancer awareness, ultrasound screening, biopsies and further investigations to determine the nature of tumours and guide treatment.

Ayuba said community patient navigators are available to help patients access hospitals, connect with appropriate specialists and participate in multidisciplinary consultations to determine suitable treatment plans.

Also speaking, Dr. Monica Amadi of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, who is the Secretary of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), expressed delight over the massive turnout of women for the screening.

Amadi assured that the exercise would continue even after the stipulated days and encouraged women to utilise the opportunity for early detection and treatment.

Hajia Habiba Musa, a beneficiary said early detection would reduce high death rates and called on women to make efforts to access cancer care for better health.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Mary Patrick, said the awareness would go a long way in addressing the challenge of lack of access to cancer care.