The outreach programme, held on Thursday in Egor Local Government Area, focused on promoting early detection and improving community awareness about cancer prevention and treatment options.
Speaking at the event, LAPO President, Faith Osazuwa-Ojo — represented by the organisation’s Executive Vice President, Health and Social Development — said the 2026 World Cancer Day theme, “United by Unique,” underscores the need for collective action despite the individuality of each cancer journey.
According to her, while every patient’s experience with cancer differs, the response must be unified through awareness creation, prevention strategies, early detection, compassionate care, and sustained advocacy.
She noted that LAPO’s Community Cancer Control Campaigns (LAPO-C4), launched in 2016, have consistently advanced cancer education, reduced stigma, and expanded 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,” she said.
“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.”
Osazuwa-Ojo expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government, the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Egor Local Government Council, health workers, volunteers, media partners, and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.
Also speaking, the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Eseigbe Efeomon, said the collaboration was aimed at reinforcing the importance of early detection in improving treatment outcomes.
He explained that the free screening, conducted in partnership with LAPO and Egor Local Government Council, included services for cervical and breast cancer, with both women and men participating.
“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,” Efeomon said.
He added that with the support of the state government, the screening exercise would extend beyond the commemorative day to the end of the month. The programme will also be replicated in Ikpoba Okha and Oredo local government areas, with plans to expand to other parts of the state.
In his remarks, the Health Education Officer for Egor Local Government Area, Omoregie Eghosa, described the initiative as timely, noting that many residents often avoid routine medical check-ups until illnesses become advanced.
“Organising this is good, as cancer is not detected early except through check-ups,” he said, adding that the free screening would enable residents to know their health status amid rising cancer cases.
Stakeholders at the event emphasized that sustained grassroots awareness and accessible screening services remain critical in reducing cancer-related morbidity and mortality across the state.