The Edo State Government, in collaboration with the Lift Above Poverty Organisation, on Thursday, provided free cancer awareness/screening to 200 residents of the state.

The programme, which took place at Egor Local Government Area, was in commemoration of World Cancer Day.

President of LAPO, Faith Osazuwa-Ojo, said the theme of this year’s celebration, “United by Unique,” is a reminder that while every cancer journey is unique, our response must be united in awareness, prevention, early detection, care, compassion, and advocacy.

Osazuwa-Ojo, who was represented by the Executive Vice President, Health and Social Development of LAPO, said the theme also reinforces LAPO’s belief that no one should face cancer alone, and that community-driven action remains one of the strongest tools in the fight against this disease.

She said LAPO, through its Community Cancer Control Campaigns, has directly reached over 3.57 million people through on-ground interventions across Edo State and beyond.

She added, “Since 2016, LAPO has remained steadfast through its Community Cancer Control Campaigns (LAPO-C4) in advancing cancer awareness, promoting early detection, reducing stigma, and strengthening access to screening and referral services across communities.

“In total, LAPO-C4 has directly reached over 3.57 million people through on-ground interventions across Edo State and beyond

“These figures are not just numbers; they represent lives touched, fears addressed, knowledge shared, stigma reduced, and hope restored. They also affirm what is possible when communities, government institutions, and development partners work together with a shared vision.

“We sincerely appreciate the Edo State Government, the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Egor Local Government Area, our health workers, volunteers, media partners, and all stakeholders whose dedication continues to make this journey impactful.”

Also speaking at the programme, Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Eseigbe Efeomon, said the state and LAPO decided to reach out to the community to let them know that early detection enhances treatment outcomes.

“This cancer awareness and screening service is a collaboration between the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, the Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), and Egor Local Government Council. In commemoration of World Cancer Day, we decided to reach out to our communities to let them know that cancer can be detected early and the usefulness of screening in early detection. The screening is free.

“We have had a lot of women come here to screen for cervical and breast cancer, and we have also seen a few men come to screen for cancer. In all, we will be attending to 200 people. With the help of the state government, we are extending the service beyond today till the end of the month. The programme will be held not only in Egor but also in Ikpoba Okha and Oredo LGs. We also intend to spread the service to other local governments in the state”, Efeomon said.

The Health Education Officer, Egor Local Government, Omoregie Eghosa, said the hosting of the programme means a lot to the LG, as people do not usually go for medical check-ups on their own, adding, “They run helter-skelter when it is late. Organising this is good, as cancer is not detected early except through check-ups.

He said the free awareness and screening will help residents know their status, as the rate of cancer is alarming, and lauded the initiative.