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The traders of Sandgrouse Market on Lagos Island have expressed profound gratitude to the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Lagos State Chapter for organizing its 8th Free Cancer Awareness Campaign and Medical Screening in their community.
This noble initiative, which offered free screenings for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, alongside other essential health checks, witnessed an impressive turnout of over 210 participants. Many individuals benefitted from life-saving medical interventions, reinforcing the vital role of preventive healthcare in society.
The traders seized the opportunity to offer prayers for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, commending his efforts in fostering an environment conducive to such impactful health programs.
A Rare Opportunity for Market Traders
While addressing attendees, the Iya Oloja of Sandgrouse/Araromi Market, Alhaja Modinat Adetayo Adesope, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the initiative. She described it as a rare and invaluable opportunity for traders who often find it challenging to leave their businesses for medical check-ups.
She further extended her gratitude to the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Chief Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, for sensitizing market women ahead of the program, thereby ensuring maximum participation.
The Importance of Regular Health Screenings
Dr. Olatokunbo Oseni, Vice-Chairman of YWCA Lagos Branch, emphasized the significance of routine medical check-ups, urging participants to seek professional attention at the earliest signs of any health irregularities. She acknowledged that many individuals who cannot afford preventive healthcare were able to receive free tests and consultations at the event, effectively breaking financial barriers to early disease detection.
A Testimony to Long-Term Impact
A particularly touching moment occurred when a participant revealed that he had attended the inaugural YWCA Lagos Branch Cancer Awareness Outreach at Tejuosho Market eight years ago. He shared how that experience transformed his perspective on health, inspiring him to adopt a healthier diet, engage in regular exercise, and prioritize routine medical screenings. His story stands as a testament to the long-term impact of YWCA’s health awareness campaigns.
Comprehensive Health Screenings & Life-Saving Discoveries
During the outreach, a wide range of medical screenings and health checks were conducted:
General Health Checks:
Blood pressure, weight, and BMI assessments for over 210 participants
Blood sugar level tests for 206 individuals
Urine analysis for 140 participants
Cancer Screenings:
35 men aged 50 and above received prostate cancer screenings
102 women underwent breast cancer examinations
88 women participated in cervical cancer screenings
Vision Care:
196 people received free reading glasses
The screenings uncovered several urgent health concerns, including:
2 individuals diagnosed with severe hypertension
4 participants found with breast lumps
3 cases of cervical and vaginal lesions
3 individuals with significantly elevated fasting glucose levels
In a further demonstration of commitment to public health, YWCA Lagos Branch pledged to cover additional diagnostic tests for individuals requiring follow-up care. This was made possible through a partnership with Clinix Healthcare Limited, which offered a generous 60% discount on further medical examinations.
Expert Health Talks: Knowledge That Saves Lives
The event featured a series of enlightening lectures from medical specialists, providing invaluable guidance on cancer prevention and overall well-being:
✅ Dr. Kehinde (Kare for All) – Educated participants on breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early detection.
✅ Dr. Yemi Banjoko – Spoke extensively on cervical cancer prevention and the necessity of regular screenings.
✅ Dr. Kayode Asiri – Led an engaging session on prostate cancer, explaining the role of testosterone in the disease and the critical need for routine screenings among men.
✅ Dr. Omolola Odigwe – Delivered a powerful lecture on healthy living and longevity, highlighting that 70% of human deaths are linked to poor nutrition.
Dr. Odigwe strongly advised against consuming soft drinks with meals, recommending water as the best alternative for maintaining good health. She also cautioned against eating too close to bedtime, recommending a gap of 3-4 hours to prevent heart-related ailments.
A Call for Continuous Health Monitoring
Dominic Emetu Noble, a representative of Clinix Healthcare, noted that many participants were unaware of their elevated blood pressure and sugar levels until they were tested at the event. Thanks to YWCA’s free screenings, those at risk were immediately identified and placed under further medical management under Dr. Oseni’s supervision.
Dr. Oseni reiterated the importance of consistent health monitoring, emphasizing that early detection is key to saving lives.
YWCA Lagos Branch: A Beacon of Preventive Healthcare
The overwhelming success of this 8th Cancer Awareness and Screening Outreach underscores the unwavering dedication of YWCA Lagos Branch to community health. Dr. Oseni reassured participants that the organization remains committed to reaching more underserved communities with free, life-saving medical interventions.
This year’s outreach was made possible through the generous support of dedicated individuals and corporate partners, including Viva Plus, Clinix Healthcare Limited, ABIMSSS, Kare For All, SBC Limited, and a team of selfless volunteer health workers.
As traders and community members offered prayers for President Tinubu’s administration, they also celebrated the hope and healing that YWCA’s initiative has brought into their lives.
This was not merely a one-time event; it is a movement towards better health, longer lives, and a brighter future for all.
