OWLACDI, Plateau Health Ministry Rally for Cancer Awareness, Early Detection on World Cancer Day
Founder and Executive Director of Ochaworth Leadership and Community Development Initiative (OWLACDI), Dirmicit Binyir Pyentam, has called on residents of Plateau State to intensify efforts toward cancer awareness, early detection, prevention and support, as part of activities to mark World Cancer Day 2026.
World Cancer Day is observed annually on February 4, and this year’s activities in Plateau State commenced on Wednesday with a public awareness walk involving OWLACDI, the Plateau State Ministry of Health, the Nigerian Cancer Society, and other professional associations and civil society organisations. Participants carried placards bearing messages promoting collective action to reduce the burden of cancer and improve health outcomes.
The walk culminated at the Plateau State Ministry of Health, where stakeholders, development partners, health professionals and members of the public gathered under the 2026 global theme, “United by Unique.”
Speaking at the event, Dirmicit Pyentam explained that the theme highlights the diverse forms of cancer while emphasising a united global response to the disease.
“This year, World Cancer Day is ‘United by Unique,’ which means we have our differences and different faces of cancer — it could be breast cancer or prostate cancer — but we are united to fight cancer,” she said.
She noted that many people still lack basic knowledge about cancer, adding that some die without ever knowing the cause of their illness.
“We are creating awareness so people should know what cancer is. We are promoting early detection and encouraging people to check themselves, go for breast examinations, mammograms and scans to know their health status,” Pyentam said.
She also called on government at all levels to prioritise cancer research and treatment, and to make cancer care affordable, especially for women and vulnerable groups.
“Cancer is often seen as a death sentence, but it is not. With early detection and proper treatment, lives can be saved. As an organisation, we are here to encourage cancer fighters and survivors and let them know that cancer is not the end,” she added.
In his remarks, Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, urged parents, guardians, schools and communities to ensure that eligible girls receive vaccination to protect them from cervical cancer.
He disclosed that the Plateau State Ministry of Health is strengthening cancer prevention and control through increased public awareness, expanded screening outreaches for breast and cervical cancer, integration of screening into routine healthcare, strengthened referral systems, capacity building for health workers, and collaboration with national bodies and development partners.
“Our goal is to make cancer prevention and early detection services more accessible and responsive to the needs of our people,” Baamlong said.
He further stated that the state aligns with the World Health Organization’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer through the 90-70-90 targets: vaccinating 90 percent of girls aged 9–14 with the HPV vaccine, screening 70 percent of women at ages 35 and 45, and ensuring 90 percent of those identified with the disease receive treatment.
The commissioner encouraged residents to go for recommended screenings, avoid tobacco and harmful alcohol consumption, maintain healthy lifestyles, seek medical attention for unusual symptoms, and show compassion to those undergoing treatment.
Also speaking, a cancer survivor, Ezekiel Timothy, described cancer as frightening when heard about from outside but said treatment becomes manageable once one seeks medical care.
“My message is that if you notice any sign, don’t stay at home. Go to the hospital early so you can get the right treatment,” he advised.
Vice Chairperson of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Plateau State Chapter, Egweye Egbodo, said February 4 is dedicated globally to raising cancer awareness, adding that activities which were once concentrated in Abuja have now been decentralised to states and grassroots communities.
She revealed that Plateau State is hosting the North Central zonal rally for World Cancer Day 2026, with a series of activities scheduled throughout February, including mega rallies, symposiums, screening exercises and training sessions for healthcare professionals.
According to her, the theme “United by Unique” emphasises that every cancer story is different and underscores the need for people-centred and individualised care.
Egbodo reaffirmed the Nigerian Cancer Society’s commitment to collaborating with civil society organisations and partners to drive advocacy, prevention, screening and effective referral for cancer patients across the state.
