The traders of Sandgrouse Market, Lagos Island, expressed profound gratitude and enthusiasm as the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Lagos Branch brought its 8th Free Cancer Awareness Campaign and Medical Screening to their doorstep. This laudable initiative provided free screenings for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, alongside other essential lifestyle health checks. With an impressive turnout of over 210 participants, the event facilitated life-saving medical interventions for many.
In a heartfelt display of appreciation, the market traders fervently prayed for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, acknowledging his role in fostering an environment where such impactful health initiatives can thrive.
A Health Initiative That Saves Lives
Speaking at the event, the Iya Oloja of Sandgrouse/Araromi Market, Alhaja Modinat Adetayo Adesope, extolled the initiative as a rare and invaluable opportunity for traders. She highlighted the difficulty traders face in leaving their businesses for medical checkups and lauded the efforts of the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Chief Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, for sensitizing market women in advance, ensuring widespread participation.
The Vice-Chairman of YWCA Lagos Branch, Dr. Olatokunbo Oseni, underscored the importance of regular health screenings and urged participants to seek medical attention at the earliest signs of any health concerns. She emphasized that for many individuals unable to afford preventive healthcare, this initiative removed financial barriers, granting them access to essential medical services.
A Remarkable Story of Long-Term Impact
A particularly moving moment during the event occurred when a participant shared how attending the inaugural YWCA Lagos Branch Cancer Awareness outreach at Tejuosho Market eight years ago had profoundly influenced his lifestyle choices. His testimony underscored the long-term impact of YWCA’s health awareness campaigns, as he spoke of the importance of healthy eating, regular exercise, and routine medical checkups.
Comprehensive Health Screenings & Life-Saving Discoveries
The event facilitated comprehensive health screenings for over 210 participants, with remarkable results:
✅ 206 individuals had their blood sugar levels tested
✅ 140 participants underwent urine analysis
✅ 35 men (aged 50+) received prostate cancer screenings
✅ 102 women underwent breast cancer screening
✅ 88 women received cervical cancer screenings
✅ 196 people were provided with free reading glasses
These screenings led to the identification of several urgent health concerns, including:
🔴 2 participants diagnosed with severe hypertension
🔴 4 participants identified with breast lumps
🔴 3 participants found to have cervical and vaginal lesions
🔴 3 participants with significantly elevated fasting glucose levels
YWCA Lagos Branch extended their support beyond screenings by committing to covering additional tests for those requiring follow-up care. Clinix Healthcare Limited, a key partner, graciously offered a 60% discount on further diagnostic tests.
Expert Insights: Health Talks That Could Save Lives
The event featured expert medical professionals who provided invaluable guidance on cancer prevention and overall well-being:
✅ Dr. Kehinde (Kare for All) – Delivered an insightful lecture on breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and the significance of early detection.
✅ Dr. Yemi Banjoko – Educated women on cervical cancer prevention and the importance of regular screenings.
✅ Dr. Kayode Asiri – Led an engaging discussion on prostate cancer, elucidating the role of testosterone in its development and the necessity of routine screenings for men.
✅ Dr. Omolola Odigwe – Delivered a compelling address on healthy lifestyle choices and longevity, emphasizing that 70% of human deaths are attributable to poor nutrition.
Dr. Odigwe advised participants to opt for natural, unprocessed foods over chemically altered options, cautioning:
“If you desire a healthy life, avoid consuming soft drinks alongside meals such as rice and stew. Water is the best drink for your health.”
She further emphasized the importance of allowing 3-4 hours between meals and sleep to mitigate the risk of heart-related ailments.
A Call for Consistent Health Monitoring
Dominic Emetu Noble, a representative of Clinix Healthcare, revealed that many participants were unaware of their high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels until they were tested. Thanks to YWCA’s free screening initiative, those at risk were promptly identified and placed under further medical supervision by Dr. Oseni.
Dr. Oseni urged all participants to prioritize routine health checkups, reiterating the life-saving impact of early detection.
YWCA Lagos Branch: A Lifeline for Preventive Healthcare
The resounding success of this 8th Cancer Awareness and Screening outreach underscores the unwavering commitment of the YWCA Lagos Branch to community health. Dr. Oseni reassured participants that the organization remains steadfast in its mission to extend life-saving medical interventions to underserved communities.
This year’s outreach was made possible through the generous support of dedicated individual and corporate partners, including Viva Plus, Clinix Healthcare Limited, ABIMSSS, Kare For All, SBC Limited, and a host of volunteer health workers who selflessly contributed their time and expertise.
As traders and community members offered prayers for the success of President Tinubu’s administration, they also celebrated the hope and healing that the YWCA initiative had brought into their lives.
This event is not merely a one-time occurrence—it represents a movement towards better health, early detection, and longer, healthier lives for all.
