Abeokuta, Ogun State – The Uplift Development Foundation, led by its founder, Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs.) Olufunso Amosun, has flagged off the 2025 edition of its Free Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Programme at the Telemedicine Centre, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta.
The initiative, which began in 2012, has so far provided cancer awareness, advocacy, and screening to over 10,000 women across Ogun State. In addition, the foundation has erected, renovated, and equipped cancer care clinics in Sagamu, Ota, and Abeokuta, ensuring wider access to screening and treatment for women across the state.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Mrs. Amosun emphasized the importance of early detection, describing it as the most powerful weapon against cancer. She cited alarming statistics from the World Health Organization, which estimates 2.3 million new breast cancer cases annually worldwide and over 300,000 cervical cancer deaths, with Nigeria ranking among the highest in global breast and cervical cancer mortality rates.
“Cancer is not a death sentence; early detection can prevent and curb its spread. Several survivors have proved that if detected early, breast and cervical cancers can be successfully treated,” Amosun said.
She further revealed that, through the benevolence of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the programme will cover free lumpectomy surgeries for patients found with suspicious lumps during this year’s exercise, while malignant cases will be referred for histology and further treatment.
Over the years, Uplift has also sponsored urgent chemotherapy treatments and, in some cases, provided hospice care for patients in dire need.
Mrs. Amosun urged women to take advantage of the free screening, perform regular self-examinations, and encourage others to prioritize their health. She also extended appreciation to the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), medical doctors, nurses, and volunteers who continue to support the programme.
The 2025 edition is expected to record another high turnout, further advancing Uplift’s mission of saving lives through awareness, early detection, and timely treatment.
