The Youth Wing of Kwara's chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) has partnered with Leah Medical Centre to provide free breast and cervical cancer screenings for 100 women in Ilorin.

The event, held as part of the Annual YOWICAN State Convention and World Breast Cancer Awareness Month, was aimed at promoting early detection and raising awareness about these cancers.

Speaking during the outreach on Saturday, YOWICAN Chairman, Mr. Stephen Awoyale, emphasized the importance of prioritizing health, especially among Christians. He noted that many young people do not take health issues seriously, which is why the outreach was organized as a way to address these concerns and encourage routine health checks.

“We discovered a lot of youths have issues with their health and we thought it wise to do something about it, especially among our women, both young and old.

“If we ask some of them to go to the hospital, they become reluctant, either because of money or personal reasons.

“So, we have brought it to their doorstep for free and we are believing God that it will be beneficial to everyone present today.

“This is not all about women alone. Both women and men are also being tested for high blood pressure (HBP), blood sugar and other necessary things,” the Kwara YOWICAN Chairman said.

A nurse with the Leah Medical Centre, Olusola Timilehin, while speaking at the event said it was an opportunity for women to get tested, especially for breast and cervical cancer.

“This month is breast cancer awareness month and it is free testing for women in order to prevent both cervical and breast cancer.

“If we discover any other thing, such persons can seek medical help as soon as possible.

“We have seen people who fought cancer and survived, just because it was discovered early enough, through tests and free interventions like this.

“We target at least 100 women for this testing, and other tests which men can also benefit from, and we have them coming.

“I am particularly happy that people, especially women, are taking issues of their health seriously,” she said.

Miss Morenike Balogun, one of the medical outreach's beneficiaries, commended the organisers and described the exercise as timely, saying it would help a lot of women know their health status.

“I am happy to be able to do this, because in going to the hospital I may have to pay for it. But it has been brought to us for free and for which I'm grateful,” she said.