NNPC Foundation Provides Free Cancer Screening for Over 3,441 Nigerians
NNPC Foundation Provides Free Cancer Screening for Over 3,441 Nigerians
In a press statement released yesterday, the Managing Director of the foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, emphasized the foundation's commitment to addressing cancer, which remains a significant health challenge in Nigeria.
“The fight against cancer requires a collective effort and a commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare. This campaign is about more than just screening; it’s about saving lives, building awareness, and creating pathways to preventive care for Nigerians who need it most,” Arukwe stated.
The campaign, tagged “Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening,” was conducted across the six geopolitical zones of the country, with screening centers established in Kaduna, Rivers, Ondo, Benue, Imo, and Gombe States. The initiative offered free screenings for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, along with health education, workshops, and consultations with healthcare professionals to promote early detection and preventive measures.
Arukwe highlighted the importance of early detection, noting that too many Nigerians lack access to life-saving diagnostic tools due to limited facilities, cultural stigmas, and insufficient awareness. She reiterated the foundation’s mission to bridge this gap by bringing essential health services directly to communities.
“In a country of over 200 million people, access to early detection tools is critical. Early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates, and this campaign represents a vital step towards achieving that goal,” she said.
Cancer remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing health challenges, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting over 79,000 cancer-related deaths annually. Prostate and liver cancers are most common among men, while women are predominantly affected by breast and cervical cancers.
Beyond the cancer campaign, the NNPC Foundation has also carried out various healthcare interventions. Earlier this year, it conducted a free cancer screening campaign in Abuja and organized medical outreach programs in Garki community and Utako Market, also in the Federal Capital Territory.
In Garki, 450 community members benefitted from free health checkups, treatments, and medical consumables. At the Utako Market, 291 traders received free glaucoma screening.
The foundation’s initiatives aim to counter late-stage cancer diagnoses and improve overall access to quality healthcare for underserved communities across Nigeria.
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