LEAH Foundation screens 50,000 women for breast, cervical cancer in 14 years

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

The founder of the LEAH Foundation, Deaconess Omolewa Ahmed, has disclosed that the foundation has screened over 50,000 women for breast and cervical cancer in Kwara State over the last 14 years of its existence.

The screening efforts were achieved through collaborations with religious organizations, trade unions, market women’s associations, the government, and other women’s groups.

Deaconess Ahmed, the former First Lady of Kwara State, shared this information while presenting an overview of the foundation’s activities and upcoming projects during an event held in Ilorin on Monday.

“Over 50,000 women have been screened for breast and cervical cancers in collaboration with religious organizations, trade unions, market women’s associations, the government, and other women’s groups.

“Many women presenting with early signs of cancer have undergone clinical interventions at our facility or have been referred to tertiary health facilities,” she said.

She further highlighted the foundation’s achievements, stating:
“LEAH Foundation, founded in 2011, is a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the United Nations ECOSOC. Today, the foundation stands as a leading cancer control organization in North-Central Nigeria, with a strong presence in Ilorin, Kwara State.

“We have been at the forefront of advocating for early detection and screening of breast, cervical, and prostate cancers—three of the most common cancers affecting men and women in this region.”

Deaconess Ahmed noted that these cancers remain leading causes of cancer-related deaths due to late presentation, lack of awareness, low uptake of screening services, and cultural or religious beliefs.

“She added that the foundation is a proud member of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC).

“As part of this year’s World Cancer Day activities, LEAH Foundation is turning its attention to prostate cancer—one of the most common cancers among men in Nigeria, accounting for 29% of male cancer cases.

“Tragically, 80% of prostate cancer cases result in death due to late detection, underscoring the urgent need for early screening and awareness,” she explained.

The Prostate Cancer Screening Project aims to provide free screening services to 20,000 to 30,000 men aged 40 and above across all religious, educational, and social strata in Kwara State.

She announced that the Prostate Cancer Awareness Initiative will be launched on World Cancer Day, February 4, 2025, at the Ilorin Stadium, with subsequent launches in Kwara South and Kwara North. The events are scheduled for February 11 in Offa and February 13 in Tsaragi.

“We are proud to have partnered with some of Nigeria’s influential Nollywood celebrities, who have graciously agreed to serve as our Awareness Champions. They will use their platforms to raise awareness about prostate cancer and promote early detection and treatment,” she stated.

Since 2013, the LEAH Foundation has also embarked on a Breast and Cervical Cancer Project to raise awareness, provide regular screenings, and facilitate timely treatment. The initiative has offered psychological and social support to those diagnosed with cancer.

Deaconess Ahmed called on individuals and organizations committed to societal development to support the foundation.

“She emphasized that sponsorship would enable the provision of free screening services to thousands of men, thereby promoting early detection and reducing mortality rates associated with prostate cancer.

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