Ogun State and NICRAT Launch Cancer Screening Initiative in Healthcare Centers

The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has joined forces with the Ogun State Government to provide cancer screening as part of family planning services at Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs). This initiative aims to make cancer prevention more accessible to women in Nigeria.

The program, called Integration of Basic Cancer Screening Services into Family Planning in Primary Healthcare Centres (Phase II), started on November 5, 2026, at the PHC in Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta. During a training session, Mrs. Olabisi Folorunso-Lanlehin, speaking for NICRAT’s Director-General, emphasized that integrating cancer screening into family planning services would help reach more women with preventive healthcare.

According to NICRAT, nearly 20 Nigerian women die each day from cervical cancer, and breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the country. The NICRAT chief noted that both types of cancer are largely preventable through vaccination, regular screening, and early treatment.

The first phase of this initiative was launched in December 2025 across several Nigerian states, including Kwara and Ebonyi. The second phase aims to enhance the skills of primary healthcare workers in providing basic cancer screening services.

Dr. Tomi Coker, the State Commissioner for Health, reiterated the government’s commitment to improving women’s health. She suggested that cancer prevention education should be included in school programs to help young people make informed health choices. The state is also aiming to screen at least 200 women within two weeks.

Dr. Nathaniel Gbenga, a lead facilitator, explained that persistent infection with high-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to nearly all cervical cancer cases. He highlighted the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent the disease from becoming invasive.

Self-sampling for cervical cancer screening was identified as a promising solution to overcome barriers such as cultural stigma and distance from healthcare facilities. This approach could encourage more women to participate in screening efforts.