The Federal Government has launched a nationwide free cancer screening programme targeting 6,000 asymptomatic Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones, in a renewed push to reduce rising cancer-related deaths in the country.
The initiative was flagged off on Saturday at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State, by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako. The programme will focus on the early detection of breast, cervical and prostate cancers, the three most common cancers in Nigeria.
Salako explained that 1,000 people would be screened in each geopolitical zone, with Ogun State serving as the South-West hub for the exercise.
“For this particular programme, we are targeting 1,000 people in Ogun State and 6,000 Nigerians nationwide. This is strictly for asymptomatic individuals, not those already diagnosed. Anyone who tests positive will also receive free treatment,” the minister said.
He described cancer as the leading cause of death among non-communicable diseases in Nigeria, noting that it claims more lives than tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS combined, largely due to late presentation and delayed access to care.
According to him, breast cancer accounts for the highest number of cancer-related deaths among women, while cervical cancer—though preventable and curable—continues to record high mortality due to poor screening coverage. Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer among men, while childhood cancers in low- and middle-income countries record survival rates of about 20 per cent, compared to nearly 80 per cent in high-income nations.
Salako said the screening programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises prevention as the most cost-effective strategy for tackling public health challenges.
He disclosed that by late 2025, nearly 15 million girls aged nine to 14 had received the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine nationwide to prevent cervical cancer, while hepatitis B vaccination was being scaled up to reduce the incidence of liver cancer.
The minister also revealed that the Federal Government had begun piloting preventive oncology clinics in six centres nationwide and plans to integrate routine cancer screening into primary healthcare centres before May 2027.
“The goal is to institutionalise a national cancer screening programme that routinely offers these services to Nigerians,” he said.
Salako further announced plans to establish a cancer centre of excellence at FMC Abeokuta, assuring that the facility would be completed before the end of President Tinubu’s first term.
“Our vision is to commission an ultra-modern cancer centre here at FMC Abeokuta. Relevant officials have already been directed to ensure speedy implementation,” he added.
He urged Nigerians to take personal responsibility for their health by avoiding tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyles, unsafe sexual practices and unhealthy diets, stressing that many cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes and early detection.
Dismissing claims that cancer has spiritual causes, Salako insisted that the origins of many cancers are scientifically established.
“Cervical cancer is linked to a virus. Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, while hepatitis infections are strongly associated with liver cancer. These are scientific facts,” he said.
Earlier, the minister congratulated Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on the state’s 50th anniversary, describing the hosting of the programme in Abeokuta as a symbolic contribution to the celebration. He also commended the management of FMC Abeokuta, led by the Medical Director, Dr Sarah Titilola Ibiyemi, and the Governing Board Chairman, Dr Dayo Israel, for their leadership and commitment to quality healthcare delivery.
The free cancer screening exercise will run throughout February as part of activities marking World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4.