Pfizer Nigeria supports free breast cancer screening

Mr Olayinka Subair, Pfizer Nigeria’s Country Manager and Cluster Lead, West Africa, says the company is committed to improving patients’ lives and reducing disparities in cancer care.

Subair in a statement on Monday in Lagos, said the company showcased its dedication to health equity by supporting Medicaid Cancer Foundation and Leah Foundation to provide free breast cancer screening to women.

He said that the breast cancer screening was provided to women in Abuja, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Kogi and Oyo states, as part of activities in commemoration of World Cancer Day.

According to him, the screening provided by the foundations was to draw attention to the need for early detection toward saving lives.

Subair noted that Pfizer’s legacy in breast cancer spans over two decades, with a strong foundation in research and development to ensure support for breast cancer patients.

Also, Mr Lanre Bello, Executive Director, Leah Foundation, said Pfizer’s intervention was life-saving, noting that most of the rural women had no prior knowledge of breast cancer.

Bello appealed to corporate organisations, religious bodies, trade unions, women associations and governments to collaborate to raise awareness, provide screenings and necessary interventions that would assist to reduce cancer disease burden.

He noted that bi-annual screening was recommended, especially for women in the rural locations.

Arome said this would ensure that all women screened by the foundation received appropriate and timely follow-up, diagnosis and treatment.

She noted that screening the target populations through regional public education efforts would also assist in reducing morbidity and mortality from the disease.