Imo First Lady flags off free cancer screening for 2000 Imolites in Owerri

By Christy Emeka

Not less than two thousand people in Imo State are slated to benefit from a 2-Day cancer screening which was flagged off yesterday by the First Lady Barr Chioma Uzodimma, at the State Specialist Hospital, Umuguma in Owerri, the state capital.

The programme themed, “Equitable Cancer Care,” will conduct tests on breast, cervical, and prostate cancers in both women and men.

Organized by the GoodHope Women Flourish Initiative & Office of the First Lady of Imo State, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, the screening is meant for people from the twenty-seven local government areas of the state.

Lady Uzodimma noted that when services are brought closer to the people, they help to save lives.

“GoodHope Women Flourish Initiative, working with the Imo State Ministry of Health, has organized this programme because we believe in one simple truth: every person in Imo State deserves access to cancer screening that could save their life. This is what “Equitable Cancer Care” means. It means no one is left behind.

‘As Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), our coalition has reached over 625,000 women with cancer prevention education nationwide. We have conducted thousands of free screenings in multiple states and detected cancers early enough for successful treatment. What we have learned through this work is clear: when we remove barriers to screening, and when we bring services to where people are, we save lives. Today, we bring that same commitment home to Imo State.”

Barrister Uzodimma who was represented in the occasion by the commissioner for Health, Dr Chioma Egu, decried the pain and suffering occasioned by cancer.

In her speech, the commissioner noted that early detection of cancer could lead to its prevention, even as it is one of the major causes of death in the world.

“This initiative is a shining example of what can be achieved when compassion, leadership, and collaboration come together for the good of our people.”

She commended the governor’s wife for her concern and commitment to the people’s health.

Dr Egu said, “Your Excellency, we deeply appreciate your commitment to the health and wellbeing of Imo citizens, especially in championing causes that promote early detection, prevention, and treatment of life-threatening diseases such as cancer.

“Cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria and across the world. Breast, cervical, and prostate cancers are among the most common, yet most preventable, when detected early. Unfortunately, too many of our people still present late —when the disease has already advanced —due to fear, ignorance, stigma, or lack of access to screening facilities.

“That is why today’s programme is so timely and so important. Through this free screening, we are not only providing life-saving services but also spreading hope — hope that early detection saves lives; hope that no one is left behind because of financial barriers; and hope that, together, we can build a healthier Imo State.

“As the Ministry of Health, we are committed to working hand in hand with partners such as the Office of the First Lady, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to strengthen cancer prevention, screening, and treatment services across our state. We are also expanding our community health education and awareness campaigns to ensure that every Imolite understands the importance of regular checkups and healthy living.

“Let me also commend the dedicated healthcare professionals conducting these screenings today. Your expertise and compassion are invaluable. You are the hands and hearts behind the success of programmes like this.

“To our participants — men and women who have come out today — I say thank you for taking this important step toward protecting your health. Early detection truly saves lives. Please encourage your families, friends, and neighbours to do the same.

“In closing, let us remember that fighting cancer requires collective effort —from government, from communities, and from individuals. Together, we can ensure that every Imo citizen has access to quality healthcare and the opportunity to live a full, healthy life,” the commissioner stated.