Health advocates, government officials and cancer survivors gathered in Abuja for a 5.4 kilometer awareness walk organized by the Medicaid Cancer Foundation to encourage early detection and improve access to screening and treatment.
The event, themed ‘One Walk, One Fight: Walk Away Cancer’, brought together participants for public education and free health services. Organizers said the initiative formed part of a sustained campaign to reduce preventable cancer deaths and support people undergoing treatment.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Abubakar Atiku Bagudu said the Federal Government had invested in cancer detection and treatment capacity and called for close attention to how health resources were used at state and local government levels.
Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory Mariya Mahmoud and Minister of State for Education Suwaiba Ahmed emphasized the importance of awareness and timely medical assessment. Speakers encouraged people to seek appropriate screening based on their age, medical history and clinical guidance.
Union for International Cancer Control president Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu called for sustained financing and collaboration, while Cancer Society of Nigeria president Abidemi Omonisi urged greater assistance for patients and survivors.
Cancer survivor Farooq Oreagba shared his experience and encouraged participants not to regard a diagnosis as the end of hope. His remarks highlighted the importance of access to diagnosis, treatment and continuing care.
An accompanying health village offered services including clinical breast examinations, blood pressure and blood glucose checks, hepatitis testing and eye screening. Organizers also reported the availability of mammography discounts and human papillomavirus vaccination for eligible girls.
The foundation said proceeds from event merchandise and associated sales would contribute to patient support programmes. The walk was described as the twelfth edition of the campaign.
Screening recommendations vary by cancer type and individual risk. Public messaging should avoid implying that every cancer can be prevented or cured through screening alone.
