Cancer: Army Hospital, NGO intensify drive for early detection in Kaduna

The 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, has pledged support for community-based cancer awareness and screening initiatives aimed at promoting early detection and reducing cancer-related deaths in Kaduna State.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Brig.-Gen. Godwin Ogoh, made the commitment on Wednesday while receiving the Founder of Hassy’s Haven Foundation, Mrs Hussaina Yakubu, during a courtesy visit to the hospital.

Ogoh described cancer as a major public health challenge, noting that delayed diagnosis remained one of the leading causes of poor treatment outcomes among patients.

He said many cancer cases, particularly breast and cervical cancer, could be effectively managed if detected early through regular screening and prompt medical intervention.

The CMD stressed the importance of educating women on breast self-examination, urging them to routinely check for lumps or unusual changes and seek professional medical attention whenever abnormalities were noticed.

According to him, ignorance, fear and reliance on unverified treatments often contribute to late presentation of cancer cases at health facilities.

“Many patients come to the hospital when the disease has already advanced, making treatment more difficult and expensive.

“Creating awareness and encouraging regular screening are critical steps towards reducing the burden of cancer in our communities,” he said.

Ogoh also highlighted the role of cervical cancer screening through Pap smear tests, urging women to take advantage of available preventive services.

He assured the foundation of the hospital’s readiness to provide technical support for awareness campaigns, screening programmes, diagnosis and referrals for patients requiring specialised care.

The CMD noted that cancer treatment places enormous financial and emotional pressure on affected families, adding that prevention and early detection remained the most cost-effective approaches.

He further called on the media, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen advocacy efforts on cancer prevention and early diagnosis.

Earlier, Yakubu said Hassy’s Haven Foundation was established in honour of her late twin sister, Hassana, who died after an eight-year battle with cancer.

She said the painful experience inspired the creation of the foundation to support cancer advocacy, patient care and access to healthcare services for vulnerable groups.

According to her, the organisation focuses on cancer awareness, early detection, support for indigent cancer patients, widows, women and children, as well as advocacy for improved healthcare delivery.

Yakubu said the foundation had undertaken awareness campaigns and outreach programmes at major health institutions, including Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna.

She explained that the visit to the Army hospital was aimed at exploring collaboration in cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment support.

The founder disclosed plans to organise community screening outreaches and sought the hospital’s partnership in providing breast and cervical cancer screening services, including pathology support.

“We are committed to reducing preventable cancer deaths through awareness, early detection and strategic partnerships that will bring screening services closer to the people,” she said.