Lagos State on Tuesday marked the 2026 World Cancer Day with a high-impact awareness walk and free cancer screening exercise for public servants, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to prevention, early detection, and access to quality cancer care.

The event, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Health through its Non-Communicable Diseases and Cancer Control programmes, featured a sensitisation walk within the State Government Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja, followed by free breast, cervical and prostate cancer screening at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic.

Leading the walk were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide; Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District VI, Dr. Olufemi Omololu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo; and the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, alongside partners, civil servants and other stakeholders.

The walk commenced at the Ministry of Health and moved through key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including the Public Service Office, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Ministry of Establishments and Training, and Ministry of Commerce and Industry, before ending at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic.

Speaking at the event, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi described Y2026 World Cancer Day as both a moment of reflection and celebration. “We deliberately say we are celebrating today because there are cancer survivors among us. At the same time, it is a reminder that cancer exists and does not discriminate,” she said.

According to her, cancer is often wrongly perceived as a death sentence, a belief that discourages people from seeking help early. “Cancer can be a difficult journey, but with early detection through screening, it can have a positive outcome,” Ogunyemi noted, urging residents to make annual screening a personal commitment.

She emphasised that early detection remains the most effective intervention, adding that treatment is expensive and emotionally draining. “Prevention is better than cure, and it is far cheaper,” she said, encouraging men and women to take advantage of the free screening services provided by the state.

Ogunyemi further revealed that the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is working towards strengthening cancer care infrastructure, including plans for a comprehensive oncology centre in Alausa. “Our goal is to ensure prevention, treatment, post-care services and support for patients and caregivers in one location,” she added.

In his remarks, Dr. Dayo Lajide, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, said World Cancer Day is a moment of sober reflection rather than celebration. “Cancer is painful for those who experience it. Today is about remembering those affected, encouraging survivors and protecting lives through prevention,” he said.

Lajide urged civil servants to access the free breast, cervical and prostate cancer screening , stressing that regular screening saves lives. He noted that cancer screening services are not limited to the commemorative period but are available across Lagos State health facilities, starting from Primary Health Care Centres.

He added that Governor Sanwo-Olu had approved free screening for public servants at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic during the period, describing it as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare and public health.

Also speaking, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, commended the Ministry of Health for the initiative, noting that women and vulnerable groups often face barriers to early detection and care. “Health and poverty are closely linked, and empowered women make better health decisions for their families,” she said.

She described the inclusion of free screening as critical, adding that early detection strengthens families, protects livelihoods and contributes to a healthier workforce. “We must take care of ourselves so we can continue to care for others,” Onigbanjo urged.

For Dr. Olufemi Omololu, Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District VI, longevity is closely tied to proactive health behaviour. He warned that prostate cancer, once associated with older men, is now appearing in younger age groups. “Men must understand that regular check-ups and early screening are key to living long and healthy lives,” he said.

He encouraged men in particular to overcome fear and stigma and take advantage of the screening opportunity, noting that early detection allows timely intervention and better outcomes.

In her address, Dr. Victoria Egunjobi, Director, Disease Control, Lagos State Ministry of Health, said the rising prevalence of cancer makes awareness and early action more critical than ever. “As public servants and health workers, we must also care for ourselves so we can effectively care for others,” she stated.

Egunjobi reassured participants that screening services are covered under the state health insurance scheme and urged civil servants to participate without fear. “Cancer screening saves lives, and prevention remains our strongest tool,” she said.

Delivering the closing remarks, Dr. Abosede Wellington, Programme Coordinator, Cancer Control Programme, Lagos State, disclosed that cancer cases are on the rise in the state, with an increasing number occurring among younger people. “This trend is concerning and reinforces the need for early detection and prevention,” she noted.

She advised residents to be attentive to changes in their bodies and seek medical help promptly when unusual symptoms occur. Emphasising screening as the most effective step, Wellington encouraged women to practise self-breast examination and access free cervical cancer screening available in over 60 health facilities across Lagos State.

Wellington also reiterated the importance of HPV vaccination for girls to prevent cervical cancer and prostate cancer screening for men from age 40, thanking stakeholders for the strong turnout. “The response today shows that awareness is growing, and we will continue to take these services to more people,” she said.

As part of the commemorative activities, free breast, cervical, and prostate cancer screening will be provided for eligible civil servants at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic over a five-day period: February 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10, 2026, commencing daily from 10:00 a.m. In addition, free mammogram screening will be conducted for civil servants from Monday, February 2 to Friday, February 13, 2026, also at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic.

The World Cancer Day commemoration in Lagos ended with public servants accessing free screening services, as the state renewed its call for collective action to reduce cancer burden through awareness, prevention and early detection.

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