The Lagos State Government on Tuesday commemorated World Cancer Day 2026 with a public awareness walk and free cancer screening for civil servants, reaffirming its commitment to cancer prevention, early diagnosis and improved access to treatment.

The programme was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Health through its Non-Communicable Diseases and Cancer Control units. Activities included a sensitisation walk within the Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, and complimentary breast, cervical and prostate cancer screening at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic.

The awareness walk was led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr (Mrs) Kemi Ogunyemi, alongside the Permanent Secretary, 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, with support from partners and public servants.

Participants marched from the Ministry of Health through several Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including the Public Service Office and the Ministries of Economic Planning and Budget, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Works and Infrastructure, Establishments and Training, and Commerce and Industry, before concluding the walk at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic.

Speaking at the event, Ogunyemi described World Cancer Day as both a time for reflection and motivation, noting the presence of cancer survivors at the walk. She said cancer is often mistakenly viewed as a death sentence, a misconception that discourages early medical intervention.

She stressed that cancer affects people across all demographics but that early screening significantly improves outcomes. “Prevention and early detection are far less costly and traumatic than late-stage treatment,” she said, encouraging residents to prioritise routine screening.

Ogunyemi also disclosed that the Sanwo-Olu administration is expanding cancer care infrastructure in Lagos, including plans to establish a comprehensive oncology centre in Alausa that will offer prevention, treatment and post-care services in one location.

Also speaking, Lajide described World Cancer Day as a solemn reminder of the emotional and physical toll of cancer on patients and families. He urged civil servants to take advantage of the free screening, emphasising that early detection saves lives and reduces healthcare costs.

He added that cancer screening services are available throughout the year in Lagos State health facilities, starting from primary health care centres, and revealed that the governor approved free screening for public servants at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic to promote staff welfare.

Onigbanjo praised the initiative, noting that women and other vulnerable groups often face obstacles to early diagnosis. She said timely screening helps preserve families, livelihoods and workforce productivity.

Omololu warned that prostate cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger men and encouraged them to overcome fear and stigma by embracing regular screening, noting that early detection allows prompt treatment and better survival rates.

Director of Disease Control, Dr Victoria Egunjobi, said the rising incidence of cancer makes public education and prevention efforts more urgent. She assured participants that cancer screening is covered under the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme.

Programme Coordinator of the Cancer Control Programme, Dr Abosede Wellington, noted an increase in cancer cases in Lagos, with more diagnoses among younger people. She urged residents to seek medical attention immediately upon noticing unusual symptoms and described screening as the most effective preventive tool.

Wellington encouraged women to practise regular self-breast examinations and access free cervical cancer screening available in over 60 health facilities statewide. She also highlighted the importance of HPV vaccination for girls and prostate cancer screening for men from age 40.

As part of the World Cancer Day activities, free breast, cervical and prostate cancer screening will be offered to eligible civil servants at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic on February 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. daily. Free mammogram screening will also run from February 2 to February 13, 2026.