The 11th edition of the Walk Away Cancer campaign, Nigeria’s largest cancer awareness and prevention event, was held over the weekend at Monoliza Park, Abuja, bringing together thousands of participants from across the country in a national show of solidarity, hope, and advocacy for improved cancer care.
The annual walk, organised by the Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF), has grown into a unifying movement for early detection and prevention, drawing the participation of state First Ladies, health advocates, cancer survivors, and partners from across Nigeria.
Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, Founder and CEO of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, said the walk, which began 11 years ago, was initiated to raise awareness, funds, and policy support for improved cancer care in Nigeria.
“Walk Away Cancer is an 11-year-old initiative of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation. We started doing this to raise awareness, raise funds, and call on policymakers to create a more conducive environment and a stronger health system for cancer patients in Nigeria,” she said.
Dr Bagudu emphasised the urgent need for the government to allocate more resources across the entire cancer spectrum, from awareness and vaccination to diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care.
“Most of our patients are diagnosed in stages 3 and 4, where survival is just about 25 per cent. In countries like Australia, the UK, and China, early diagnosis gives patients up to a 95 per cent survival rate. This is why awareness and early detection are key,” she added.
She commended the FCT Administration for hosting the campaign for 11 consecutive years and appreciated sponsors, partners, and the wives of state governors and ministers for their continued support.
Also speaking, Barr. Chioma Uzodinma, First Lady of Imo State and Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), said early detection, screening, and awareness remain the strongest weapons against the disease.
“Early detection saves lives. It is very important for us to always get screened. You can even self-examine yourself,” she said.
Uzodimma highlighted the role of FLAC in promoting nationwide cancer awareness, funding treatment, and offering free screening services across states.
“We at FLAC create awareness and even pay for people to get screened. This October alone, there have been several free screening activities in the states, including the launch of a new breast cancer screening center in Ogun State. We also support patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy,” she stated.
She reaffirmed FLAC’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian woman, regardless of income or location, has access to lifesaving screening and treatment.
Ochai Igba, a survivor of blood cancer, urged the government to establish a national cancer fund and provide free or subsidised treatment for patients, stressing that access to affordable care would drastically reduce cancer-related deaths.
He noted that cancer is not a death sentence, stressing that early detection remains the key to survival.
“If cancer is detected early, it can be cured. People should monitor their health and undergo comprehensive tests at least once a year. Once you know your health status, you can fight it,” he added.
The event featured solidarity walks, speeches, musical performances and health talks. It also attracted dignitaries from the public and private sectors, including state officials, diplomats, medical professionals, and cancer survivors’ support groups.
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