…Insists Early Detection Saves Lives
Photo: Dr Jane Nkolika Ezeonu Director of Unizik Medical services at the free cancer excerise.
By Emmanuel Udodinma
A free cancer screening exercise organised by Nnamdi Azikiwe University in collaboration with Body Without Spots (BWS) recorded a massive turnout of beneficiaries from within and outside the university community.
Stakeholders described the initiative as a life-saving intervention aimed at promoting early detection and preventive healthcare.
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The exercise, which featured cervical, breast, and prostate cancer screenings, was widely commended for its accessibility and impact.
Many beneficiaries noted that it was their first time undergoing such medical checks, highlighting the importance of initiatives that bridge gaps in awareness and affordability.
Speaking on the programme, Dr Jane Nkolika Ezeonu, Director of Medical Services, stated that the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to preventive medicine and global best practices in healthcare delivery.
She emphasised that early detection remains critical in reducing cancer-related deaths and aligns with the Vice-Chancellor’s vision, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie’s, of promoting excellence in service delivery.
Dr Ezeonu also addressed common misconceptions about cancer, stressing that it is not a death sentence and can be effectively prevented or treated when detected early. She explained that the screening process helps identify at-risk individuals, who are then referred for further diagnostic testing and appropriate medical management.
She further disclosed that plans are underway to sustain such interventions through regular sensitisation programmes in collaboration with the university’s Department of Mass Communication and campus radio, to ensure continuous public awareness.
Participants shared emotional testimonies about their experiences. Ezeh Chinwendu, who travelled from Nkpor, said she attended the screening after noticing persistent breast lumps she had previously ignored, adding that the exercise brought her great relief and peace of mind. Mrs Constance Nduagba, a staff member who underwent both breast and cervical screenings, described the initiative as timely and necessary, noting that many women delay medical checkups due to cost and lack of awareness.
Similarly, Mr Stephen Mbachilin appreciated the opportunity to undergo prostate screening for the first time, expressing gratitude to the university management for making the exercise free and accessible.
Medical personnel involved in the exercise emphasised the need for continuous awareness. An oncology nurse, Ebelechukwu, noted that many patients present at hospitals when cancer has already reached advanced stages, making treatment more difficult. She stressed that early detection significantly improves survival rates and called for sustained public sensitisation efforts.
She also commended the Vice-Chancellor for his support, describing the initiative as a compassionate intervention that should be maintained.
In his remarks, the programme coordinator of Body Without Spots (BWS), Tobenna Onyemeh, highlighted the broader public health implications of the programme. He noted that prostate cancer alone accounts for about 11,000 deaths annually in Nigeria, many of which could be prevented through early screening.
He explained that the collaboration with the university was driven by a shared commitment to reduce preventable deaths and contribute meaningfully to society. Onyemeh further called on individuals and institutions in leadership positions to emulate such initiatives, describing them as a vital investment in human life and community wellbeing.
