By: Felix Ikpotor
The Rivers State Government in conjunction with the Dr Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Hospital (POCCH), Port Harcourt, have launched a free breast cancer screening initiative to promote early detection amongst women in the state.
The initiative is targeted 10,000 women and also aims to improve treatment outcomes and reduce deaths associated with the disease.
The initiative it was gathered would provide up to 10,000 free mammograms, a screening procedure used to detect breast abnormalities before symptoms become apparent. Itbl will particularly remove the financial barriers that prevent many women from going for early diagnosis.
Chief Executive Officer of POCCH, Dr Toni Rahme, announced the initiative during the hospital’s Pink October event in Port Harcourt to honour cancer survivors and those who had lost their lives to the disease in Rivers State.
Rahme said registration for the free mammogram programme had opened, with screening appointments to be scheduled subsequently, urging women across the state to register and take advantage of the opportunity.
He explained that the initiative was designed to encourage more women to undergo regular breast cancer screening, stressing that early detection and prompt treatment could significantly improve survival outcomes.
The hospital chief executive cited Nigeria’s estimated 44,000 new breast cancer cases and more than 21,000 deaths recorded in 2024, saying the figures underscored the urgent need for expanded screening programmes and improved access to cancer care.
“Behind these figures are women, families and futures. The cases identified at POCCH remind us why early detection matters. A mammogram can find changes before symptoms appear, and finding cancer early and treating it promptly can save lives,” he said.
Explaining the decision to target 10,000 free screenings, Rahme said the hospital wanted to ensure that the cost of mammography would not prevent women from knowing their breast cancer status.
“That is why we aim to provide up to 10,000 free mammograms: to remove a cost barrier and help more women get checked. Today, registration opens, and screening appointments will follow,” he said.
He urged women in Rivers State to take advantage of the programme, noting that identifying breast cancer at an early stage could increase the chances of successful treatment and reduce avoidable deaths.
“To our women community, your health matters to us. Come forward. Hand by hand, let us walk beside you,” Rahme said.
He commended the Rivers State Government for supporting POCCH’s efforts to expand access to specialised healthcare, particularly acknowledging the contributions of the state Ministry of Health and Dr Vincent Wachukwu to advancing the partnership.
Rahme said the collaboration between the state government and the hospital reflected a shared commitment to bringing specialised medical services closer to residents and improving healthcare delivery.
“Across Nigeria, Health Invest Africa works with government to strengthen healthcare management and bring specialist care closer to communities. Here at Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Hospital, our partnership with the Rivers State Government turns that shared vision into service,” he said.
The POCCH chief executive also praised the hospital’s medical personnel and other workers for their dedication to patient care, describing their efforts as vital to giving cancer patients and their families hope.
He expressed optimism that the 10,000 free mammogram initiative would enable more women to detect breast cancer early, access timely treatment and survive the disease.
“There is a sound we want to hear more often at POCCH: the bell ringing in our oncology department, marking a new beginning, a new hope, a new life.
“Let this campaign give more women the chance to reach that bell, more children the chance to hold their mother’s hand, and more families the hope of many years together. That is the future we are working for. That is why we are here,” Rahme said.
Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, in his remarks at the event, commended the hospital’s management for the initiative.
Wachukwu described early detection as critical to reducing cancer-related deaths, noting that breast and cervical cancers remain major health concerns affecting women.
He urged women to undergo regular medical screening, stressing that cancer can be treated successfully, particularly when detected early.
The Permanent Secretary emphasised the importance of monthly breast self-examinations to help women identify unusual lumps or other abnormalities that may require medical attention.
He advised women who discover any unusual changes in their breasts to consult qualified healthcare professionals promptly for further examination and appropriate treatment.
Wachukwu reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with POCCH and Health Invest Africa to strengthen cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment in Rivers State.
He encouraged women across the state to take advantage of the free registration and mammogram screening programme to ascertain their breast health status.
