By Talatu Maiwada
The Cancer Consciousness Initiative, an NGO, says it is expanding cancer awareness and access to care to persons with disabilities and underserved communities in Adamawa.
Dr Hannatu Ayuba, the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, said this on Wednesday in Yola during an engagement with persons with hearing impairment and other disabilities.
Ayuba, a Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, said the engagement was organised under the 2026 Pinktober Cancer Awareness Campaign, themed “Awareness to Access”.
She said the initiative was promoting inclusion by providing cancer health literacy to people regardless of their social status, age, location or disability.
“We believe in inclusion. We are giving cancer health literacy to everybody, whether you are rich or poor, whether you have any disability or not,” she said.
Ayuba said the organisation was also working with government and healthcare partners to bridge gaps in access to specialist cancer services, particularly in underserved communities.
She said its TeleOncology Hub Programme was designed to improve access to specialist care for people, including those living in areas without adequate cancer treatment services.
“We are breaking the stigma. Cancer should be discussed, talked about and no one with cancer should hide or stay back home and suffer.
“I urge communities and everyone to embrace early detection and seek medical attention,” Ayuba said,
She said the organisation was supporting breast cancer awareness, ultrasound screening, biopsies and further investigations to determine the nature of tumours and guide treatment.
Ayuba said community patient navigators are available to help patients access hospitals, connect with appropriate specialists and participate in multidisciplinary consultations to determine suitable treatment plans.
According to her, the organisation was working with healthcare professionals and relevant institutions to ensure patients received appropriate care and follow-up in line with established treatment guidelines.
Ms Linda Paul, a woman with hearing impairment, commended the organisation for educating women and girls with disabilities about cancer symptoms, self-examination and the importance of hospital visits.
“This is the first time we have received an invitation like this in our community. We are grateful that women and young girls have been screened and educated,” she said through an interpreter, Sarah Maiwando.
Ms Zainab Levi, Adamawa State Coordinator of Community Patient Navigators, said the initiative takes cancer awareness to disadvantaged people at the grassroots, particularly those with limited access to health information.
“Cancer support should not be limited to Abuja, Lagos or urban cities. It should reach the grassroots, so that poor people can access treatment and benefit from available services,” Levi said.
She acknowledged challenges during community engagements but said the navigators remained committed to expanding awareness, and helping patients access appropriate cancer care.(NAN)(NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
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