Over 200 women from Makoko and surrounding communities in Lagos have benefitted from a two-day free breast and cervical cancer screening, courtesy of a partnership between Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) and Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO).
The outreach, which held on August 8 and 9, 2025, was organised by VCDF in collaboration with Sebeccly Cancer Care and Support Centre, and the Nigerian Red Cross, Lagos State Chapter.
It provided life-saving medical checks to women, many of whom were undergoing cancer screening for the first time.
Under makeshift canopies, the women listened attentively as health experts educated them on the dangers of late cancer detection and demonstrated self-examination techniques.
They filed one after another into the screening rooms, emerging with relief, reassurance, and renewed determination to prioritise their health.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Nigerian women, while cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women aged 15–44. In underserved communities like Makoko, where healthcare is often inaccessible due to cost and distance, many cases are diagnosed too late for effective treatment.
“This programme is a blessing,” said one beneficiary, who attended the event with her sister. “I have never done a cervical cancer screening before. Now I know my status, and I have learned how to check myself for early signs of breast cancer. It gives me peace of mind.”
The medical team, comprising oncologists, nurses, and trained volunteers, carried out clinical breast examinations, Pap smears, ultrasound scans, and other tests.
Each participant received personalised counselling on her results, while those requiring further checks were referred for follow-up care.
VCDF Programme Manager, Philip Ukemezia, said the initiative was designed to remove barriers to healthcare access. “By taking these services directly to where women live and gather, we build trust and encourage more women to step forward for life-saving screenings,” he noted.
Dr. Omolola Salako, Founder of Sebeccly Cancer Care, stressed the importance of early detection. “Early-stage cancer intervention is critical. Timely detection and treatment significantly improve prognosis and reduce disease progression,” she said.
With the backing of socially responsible organisations like SEEPCO, VCDF and its partners say they remain committed to extending quality oncological care to Nigeria’s most vulnerable women.
For the women of Makoko, the event was more than a medical outreach, it was a reminder that their lives and health matter.