General Hospital Ijede has intensified efforts to combat cancer through a grassroots sensitisation campaign aimed at educating residents of Gberigbe in Ikorodu on the importance of early diagnosis and prompt medical attention. The initiative aligns with the Lagos State Government’s THEMES Plus Agenda, particularly its focus on health and environmental sustainability.
Eko Hot News reports that the outreach programme targeted market men and women, community leaders, youth groups, and women’s organisations, emphasising that early detection of cancer significantly increases survival rates. The hospital’s medical team highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare and access to accurate health information at the community level.
Speaking during the event, the Senior Nursing Officer of General Hospital Ijede, Nurse Oyewole Opeyemi, explained that the campaign forms part of the state’s broader strategy to strengthen preventive healthcare services and ensure no community is left behind in accessing essential medical information.
She noted that the General Hospital Ijede cancer awareness drive specifically focused on high-burden cancers such as breast, cervical, and prostate cancers, which remain major public health concerns in Nigeria. According to her, bringing cancer education directly to the grassroots helps bridge knowledge gaps and encourages early presentation at health facilities.
Nurse Oyewole stressed that cancer is not a death sentence when detected early. She warned that late presentation remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the country. Regular medical check-ups, she said, are more cost-effective than late-stage treatment and significantly improve health outcomes.
The outreach also underscored the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including proper nutrition, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful practices that increase cancer risks. Participants were encouraged to seek medical attention promptly whenever they notice unusual symptoms.
She described the World Cancer Day sensitisation programme in Gberigbe as a practical demonstration of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to proactive healthcare delivery under the THEMES Plus Agenda. The initiative reinforces the message that awareness, prevention, and timely treatment are critical tools in reducing cancer-related mortality.
A major highlight of the event was the provision of free cervical cancer screening and free breast examinations for residents at the hospital facility. The free medical services attracted significant participation, further advancing the goal of early detection and improved community health.
The General Hospital Ijede cancer awareness campaign represents a vital step toward reducing the burden of cancer in Lagos State through education, screening, and preventive healthcare services.
