General Hospital Ijede Leads Grassroots Cancer Awareness Drive

General Hospital Ijede has intensified cancer awareness efforts through a community sensitisation programme targeting residents of Gberigbe in Ikorodu, reinforcing the Lagos State Government’s preventive healthcare agenda.

Speaking during the outreach, Senior Nursing Officer Nurse Oyewole Opeyemi stressed the importance of early detection, particularly for high-burden cancers such as breast, cervical and prostate cancer. She noted that late presentation remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Nigeria.

The programme engaged market leaders, youth groups and women’s associations, encouraging healthy lifestyle choices and regular medical checks. Participants were reminded that early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates and reduces treatment costs.

According to Nurse Oyewole, the initiative aligns with the THEMES Plus Agenda’s health objectives, aimed at ensuring that no community is excluded from access to essential health information and preventive services.

The event featured free cervical screenings and breast examinations, providing immediate preventive support to participants while reinforcing the message that awareness and early intervention save lives.