Lagos: A health and insurance management organisation, SUNU Nigeria, says it has begun a free breast cancer screening for 100 women in Lagos. The initiative is part of SUNU Nigeria’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals, as stated by the Managing Director, Mr Samuel Ogbodu, during a briefing in Lagos.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the programme, titled ‘Free Mammogram for 100 Women,’ aims to combat the prevalence of breast cancer in the country. This initiative coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, commonly referred to as ‘Pink October.’ Ogbodu emphasized that SUNU Nigeria’s involvement in the fight against breast cancer is an aspect of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and reflects the organisation’s dedication to the community.
SUNU Nigeria, which encompasses SUNU Assurances Plc and SUNU Health, advocates for early detection as a crucial measure in reducing breast cancer fatalities. “Breast cancer is easier to treat if found early, when it is small and has not spread. This is
why we are creating awareness and conducting free mammograms for 100 women,” Ogbodu noted. The screenings are scheduled to take place from October 30 to November 2 at DIAMED Centre Lekki Phase 1 in Lagos.
The World Cancer Research Fund International reports that Nigeria ranks ninth globally in breast cancer mortality among women, with 16,342 deaths. Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Nigeria, representing 18.1 percent of all cancer deaths. Additionally, Nigeria has one of the highest age-standardised mortality rates for breast cancer worldwide, holding the highest rate in Africa.