Fight Against Cancer: GH Ijede Takes Awareness, Free Screening to Ikorodu Grassroots

​IKORODU, LAGOS – In a strategic move to combat the rising tide of cancer-related deaths, General Hospital Ijede has taken its advocacy to the grassroots, sensitizing residents of Gberigbe, Ikorodu, on the life-saving potential of early diagnosis.

​The outreach, held in commemoration of World Cancer Day 2026 under the global theme “United by Unique,” targeted market men and women, youth groups, and community leaders. The initiative aligns with the Lagos State Government’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which prioritizes preventive healthcare and social inclusion.

​Nurse Oyewole Opeyemi, Senior Nursing Officer at General Hospital Ijede, emphasized that the exercise was designed to dismantle the barriers of ignorance and late presentation—two major factors contributing to high mortality rates in Nigeria.

​”Cancer is not a death sentence; it is a disease that can be cured if detected early,” Oyewole stated during the session. “Late presentation remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in our country. We are here to encourage a culture of regular medical checks, which is not only cheaper but ultimately saves lives.”

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​The sensitization focused on high-burden cancers, including breast, cervical, and prostate cancers. Participants were educated on adopting healthy lifestyle choices and behavioral changes to significantly reduce risks.

​To translate awareness into action, the hospital provided free cervical screenings and breast examinations for attendees at the facility. This grassroots approach reflects the Lagos State Ministry of Health’s broader 2026 strategy to strengthen primary healthcare and ensure no community is left behind in the quest for a “Greater Lagos.”

​Community leaders praised the initiative, noting that bringing such critical services directly to the suburb of Gberigbe removes the financial and proximity hurdles that often prevent residents from seeking care.