The Rivers State Government, in collaboration with the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Hospital (POCCH) and Health Invest Africa, has initiated a free breast cancer screening programme targeting 10,000 women across the state to promote early detection and reduce cancer-related deaths.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, commended the hospital’s management for the initiative during the 2026 Pink October ceremony held at POCCH in Port Harcourt on Saturday, October 24.
The event celebrated breast cancer survivors and honoured those who had lost their lives to the disease.
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 also 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.
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He encouraged women across the state to take advantage of the free registration and mammogram screening programme to ascertain their breast health status.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of POCCH, Dr. Toni Rahme, disclosed that Nigeria recorded an estimated 44,000 new breast cancer cases and more than 21,000 deaths in 2024.
Rahme said the figures underscored the urgent need to expand access to screening and improve early diagnosis, adding that financial constraints should not prevent women from accessing essential healthcare services.
He explained that mammograms could detect breast changes before symptoms become apparent, allowing for earlier diagnosis and timely treatment.
According to him, the hospital’s target of providing up to 10,000 free mammograms is aimed at removing financial barriers and encouraging more women to undergo screening.
Rahme noted that registration for the programme had commenced, while screening appointments would follow.
He further explained that Health Invest Africa works with governments across Nigeria to strengthen healthcare management and improve access to specialist medical services.
He said the partnership with the Rivers State Government was designed to translate that commitment into practical healthcare services for women in the state.
The POCCH chief executive officer commended the Ministry of Health for its continued support and praised the hospital’s staff for their dedication to providing care for patients and their families.
Rahme expressed hope that the initiative would enable more women to receive timely diagnosis and treatment, giving them a better chance of survival and allowing families to enjoy longer lives together.
He reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to partnering with the state government to combat cancer and improve access to specialised care.
The highlight of the ceremony was the testimonies of six breast cancer survivors, who shared their experiences, alongside other activities marking the 2026 Pink October campaign.
