The UPLIFT Development Foundation has renewed its commitment to the fight against breast cancer in Ogun State, with its founder, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, stressing that cancer screening must go beyond detection to ensuring that vulnerable women receive the treatment they need.

Amosun made this known on Wednesday at the flag-off of the Foundation’s 2026 free breast and cervical cancer screening programme at the Telemedicine Centre, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta.

She said the experience from last year’s exercise demonstrated the importance of combining early detection with concrete medical intervention.

She noted that 11 women identified with suspicious breast lumps eventually underwent free lumpectomy surgeries after the 2025 screening.

According to her, more than 600 women participated in last year’s programme, while 22 women were identified with breast-related conditions requiring further medical attention.

She said UPLIFT subsequently supported the affected women with necessary investigations, treatment and post-operative care.

She stresses further that the Foundation would not want women to be screened, diagnosed and then left to face the financial burden of treatment alone.

“For me, this is the real meaning of this initiative. We did not only identify a problem and leave the patient to face the consequences alone. Rather, we did our best to ensure that the affected women receive the appropriate medical attention and support,” she said.

Amosun said the Foundation’s approach was informed by the need to encourage women to move from fear and silence to early action, particularly in a country where many cancer patients still present for treatment at advanced stages.

Citing GLOBOCAN 2022 figures, she said Africa recorded more than 198,000 new breast cancer cases and 91,300 deaths, while Nigeria accounted for 32,278 new cases and 16,332 deaths.

She noted that early detection offered women a better opportunity for timely intervention and improved treatment outcomes, urging women to make regular screening and preventive healthcare part of their lifestyle.

The founder also encouraged beneficiaries of the 2026 programme to become advocates for cancer awareness by taking the message of early detection to women in their families and communities.

She said UPLIFT Development Foundation, established in 2012, had consistently focused on practical interventions aimed at improving the lives of women, widows, young people and other vulnerable members of society.

Amosun commended the management and medical personnel of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, for partnering with the Foundation, while appreciating the doctors, nurses, technicians, volunteers and other healthcare workers contributing to the programme.

She also acknowledged the support of her husband, former Ogun State Governor and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, saying his commitment had helped the Foundation extend its intervention from screening to treatment and post-treatment support.

She urged women attending the programme to take advantage of the opportunity, stressing that early detection, appropriate treatment and proper follow-up could make a significant difference in the fight against cancer.