LEAH Foundation launches prostate cancer screening in Ilorin, targets 20,000 men

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

LEAH Foundation has launched a free prostate cancer screening program for men above 40 years as part of activities to commemorate World Cancer Day 2025.

The founder, Deaconess Omolewa Ahmed, disclosed that about 20,000 men across the sixteen local government areas of the state are targeted for the screening.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Stadium Complex in Ilorin on Tuesday, Deaconess Ahmed emphasized that the initiative would focus more on people at the grassroots due to their limited awareness of the disease.

She explained that lack of awareness has been a major factor in the spread of the disease among the rural populace, noting that cancer treatment is not too expensive when detected early.

Mrs. Ahmed stressed the importance of early screening to detect the disease and advised those diagnosed with cancer not to see it as a death sentence, as it is curable.

She also reassured participants that cancer is neither spiritual nor contagious.

Delivering a lecture on cancer screening and causes, a urologist from the Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin, Professor Popoola Ademola, advised participants to take charge of their health by undergoing regular check-ups.

He noted that prostate cancer is a prevalent health challenge affecting many men and emphasized the necessity of early screening to allow for timely medical intervention.

Professor Ademola also raised concerns about the scarcity of radiotherapy machines for prostate cancer treatment, urging the government to invest in this area. He pointed out that there is no radiotherapy machine in the whole of Kwara State.

“In fact, there is only one in the whole of Lagos State, and it is not easily accessible because it is privately managed, leading to high demand and limited availability. The government should invest in procuring more machines,” he stressed.

He further highlighted the shortage of urologists in Nigeria, revealing that four specialists he trained have left the country for better opportunities abroad.

Professor Ademola urged the government to provide special incentives to health workers to discourage brain drain.

Earlier in his address, the Medical Director of LEAH Medical Centre, Dr. Gregory Oyinloye, stated that the initiative began twelve years ago with a focus on grassroots communities.

He advised participants to take the screening seriously and adhere strictly to expert guidelines for better health outcomes.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries of the free prostate cancer screening, Professor Bashir Omipidan commended the consistency of the program and appealed to wealthy individuals to support the initiative to save lives.