Over 100 people from the University of Ibadan community participated in a free cervical cancer screening, courtesy of the Dove-Haven Foundation. This initiative highlights the growing efforts to combat cancer in Nigeria. Let’s delve into the details of this vital health program.
- Free Screening: The Dove-Haven Foundation provided free cervical cancer screenings to over 100 people.
- 5th Anniversary: This event was part of the foundation’s 5th-anniversary commemoration.
- Health Promotion: The foundation aims to promote the health and well-being of citizens.
- Reducing Cancer Prevalence: Dove-Haven Foundation works on cancer prevention, management, research and advocacy.
The Screening Event
The Dove-Haven Foundation (DHF), a Non-Governmental Organization, organized a free cervical cancer screening for more than 100 members of the University of Ibadan community. Ekundayo Samuel, the Executive Director of DHF, stated that the screening was part of the foundation’s 5th-anniversary activities, which took place on Wednesday in Ibadan. The organization is focused on reducing cancer prevalence through various initiatives, including prevention, management, research, and advocacy. According to Samuel, the foundation has noticed an increase in the cancer burden in Oyo State and aims to support the government in addressing this.
The event was designed to raise cancer awareness and provide easy access to screening and diagnosis, aiming to reduce the increasing burden of the disease in Nigeria. The foundation’s work aligns with the global concern about rising cancer rates. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with cervical cancer being one of the most common cancers among women. WHO Cancer Fact Sheet.
Preventing Cervical Cancer
Ekundayo Samuel emphasized that cervical cancer is preventable. He highlighted the importance of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls between nine and 15 years of age. Additionally, he stressed that regular screenings are vital for older individuals as a form of prevention. By increasing awareness and access to both vaccination and screening, the Dove-Haven Foundation aims to significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in the region.
Samuel also called on individuals to take their health seriously, while urging the government to put in more effort to improve healthcare. He noted that while some risk factors like race, sex, age, and genes are not modifiable, people can significantly impact their predisposition to cancer by adjusting their diet, habits, and lifestyle. This aligns with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the importance of lifestyle choices in cancer prevention. CDC Cancer Prevention.
Key Takeaways
- The Dove-Haven Foundation provided free cervical cancer screening to over 100 people at the University of Ibadan.
- The screenings were part of the foundation’s 5th-anniversary activities.
- The foundation seeks to reduce cancer prevalence through various initiatives.
- Cervical cancer is preventable through vaccination and regular screening.
- Lifestyle choices can play a significant role in cancer prevention.
The Big Picture
The Dove-Haven Foundation’s efforts in providing free cervical cancer screening are crucial for the health of the community. By increasing awareness and facilitating access to preventive measures, the foundation contributes to reducing the cancer burden in Nigeria. This initiative highlights the importance of community-based interventions and the role of non-governmental organizations in addressing public health issues.
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