The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Federal Public Service Games, has organized a free cancer screening exercise for public servants in commemoration of the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event, which held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, aimed to create awareness about cancer and promote early detection and prevention.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Daju Kacholom S, while speaking at the event, emphasized the importance of early detection and screening in preventing cancer. He noted that developed countries have better cancer outcomes due to early detection and treatment, and urged public servants to take advantage of the free screening.
The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, in her keynote address, commended the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for organizing the event. She urged public servants to prioritize their health and take advantage of the free screening, noting that early detection saves lives.
The event featured a fitness session, followed by a free cancer screening exercise, which included breast and cervical cancer screening for women and prostate cancer screening for men. The screening also included general health checks for other non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
According to the Ministry, cancer is a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with over 127,000 new cases recorded annually. The Ministry noted that breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in Nigeria, accounting for over 24% of all cancer cases.
The event is part of the activities to commemorate the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it marks the beginning of an aggressive campaign for cancer prevention and early detection in Nigeria. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has pledged to continue leading the fight against cancer and other diseases in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event was attended by prominent stakeholders, including the President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, the Founder of Breast without Spots, and other partners who supported the event. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has also announced plans to establish routine cancer screening programs at the subnational levels to enhance cancer prevention and control in every part of the country.
