PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT INTENSIFIES CANCER AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AMONG STUDENTS.

By: Khadijat Kawunda

The Federal Capital Territory Administration Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), through its Public Health Department, has intensified efforts to promote early cancer detection and preventive healthcare among young people, sensitising students of Science Technical College, Area 3, Garki, Abuja, on cancer awareness, warning signs, and the importance of seeking timely medical attention.

The sensitisation programme, organised by the Department’s Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Division, was held on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen awareness of non-communicable diseases and encourage informed health decisions among students.

The Head of the NCD Division, Dr. Olubunmi Adeyemi,emphasised the importance of equipping young people with accurate health information to enable them to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

She noted that school-based health education provides an important opportunity to dispel misconceptions about cancer, encourage healthy lifestyle choices, and promote awareness of the need for early medical intervention. She urged the students to take their health seriously, seek reliable health information, and consult qualified healthcare professionals whenever they have health concerns.

In her presentation, Dr. Lilian Ekwem of Wuse District Hospital educated the students on cancer, explaining how the disease develops and outlining its different stages. She highlighted the importance of understanding cancer, recognising possible warning signs, and seeking professional medical attention rather than relying on unverified information or delaying care.

Dr. Ekwem further stressed that early detection and timely treatment are important in improving cancer outcomes. She encouraged the students to adopt healthy habits, remain attentive to changes in their bodies, and share accurate health information with their families and communities to promote greater awareness.

A practical demonstration formed part of the programme, with Yemisi Ekenga of the Health Promotion and Education Division, FCT Public Health Department, guiding the students on how to perform self-examinations to identify unusual changes in their bodies. The session emphasised body awareness, recognising potential warning signs, and seeking prompt medical evaluation when abnormalities are noticed.

Another highlight was an experience-sharing session by Mr. Jacob Omonade, a breast cancer survivor, who recounted his personal journey with the disease. His testimony gave the students practical insight into the realities of cancer and reinforced the importance of awareness, early diagnosis, and timely medical care.

In her closing remarks, the school’s Guidance Counsellor, Hajia Shaba, commended the Public Health Department for the initiative and underscored the importance of sustained health education in schools. She encouraged the students to apply the knowledge gained and share relevant health information with their peers, families, and communities.

The programme underscores the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat’s commitment, through its Public Health Department, to promoting preventive healthcare and strengthening awareness of non-communicable diseases through school-based sensitisation and community engagement.

While the department continues to promote cancer awareness and health education as essential measures for encouraging early detection, improving health-seeking behaviour, and enhancing health outcomes across the Federal Capital Territory.