The Rivers State Ministry of Health has pledged government support for a campaign to provide free breast cancer screening for 10,000 women over the next year at the Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Centre (POCCH), as part of activities marking the October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, popularly known as Pink October.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Vincent Wachuku, disclosed this on Saturday October 24, 2026 during the campaign, where he urged women to prioritise regular breast examinations and take advantage of the free screening initiative. Wachuku noted that although breast cancer is commonly associated with women, men are also susceptible to the disease.
“We’re here today celebrating the pink month of October, the whole essence of being here is to screen for breast cancer for women at POCCH but it will shock you to know that men also suffer from breast cancer. It’s not absurd, it’s normal, it happens, I have seen. And so it’s not a month we’ll take for granted, it is a month we must have to take seriously especially the women.”
The Permanent Secretary identified breast and cervical cancers as major causes of cancer-related deaths among women, stressing that early detection and prompt treatment could significantly improve survival outcomes.
“Breasts cancer cervical cancer are the two cancers that kill women most, but they are cancers that if detected, are treatable, not just treatable, they are curable. And so early detection is key, and when we gather like this, some people don’t take it seriously. But for those of us that managed to come, I want to urge you that you don’t just come for this registration today, ensure that you come for the mammogram.”
He further advised women to conduct self-breast examinations at least once a month and seek medical attention immediately if they discover any unusual swelling, lump or other abnormality.
“You must do self breast examination at least once in a month and if you find anything abnormal, any swelling, any lump, the next thing to do is to visit the hospital, visit your doctor, let the doctor tell you exactly what the problem is, so that if it is tending towards breast cancer then you start early,” Wachuku said.
Sharing an example of a breast cancer survivor, the Permanent Secretary recounted the experience of a woman from Rivers State whose condition was detected early, enabling her to undergo treatment and survive the disease.
“I have seen people, so many women who have gone through it and survived it, one of them from within Rivers State has even won an award from Hong Kong that she came to present to me in the office. Her case was detected early, she went through the treatment, she survived it, she formed a foundation, and today the foundation is recognised world over such that she won an award in Hong Kong”.
Wachuku commended Health Invest Africa for its contribution to healthcare delivery in the state, describing the plan to register and screen 10,000 women free of charge as worthy of recognition. He assured the organisers of the state government’s continued support for the initiative
“So we are not here to play, we’re here for real business, so Health Invest, you’re doing so much for the state, and for you to talk about registering and screening 10,000 women free of charge for breast cancer, is worthy of note and commendation. We as a government will do everything within our reach to support you to ensure that you succeed, we’ll support you as far as this pink month and beyond is concerned,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary explained that the screening programme would continue for the next year, urging residents to encourage their mothers, sisters, aunties and other women who might need the service to participate. He also commended POCCH on behalf of the state Ministry of Health and the Rivers State Government, calling on women to take advantage of the free service and spread awareness within their communities.
“On behalf of ministry of health, rivers state government, I wish to commend the Peter Odili Cancer Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Centre (POCCH) for what you are doing. I also want to thank the women that you carry this message home, tell people to come, it’s free of charge,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Hospital, Toni Rahme, expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary and the Ministry of Health for their support and for honouring the event with their presence.
Rahme began by acknowledging God’s role in sustaining the organisation’s commitment to healthcare delivery. He disclosed that Nigeria recorded an estimated 44,000 new breast cancer cases and more than 21,000 deaths in 2024, noting that the figures represented women, families and futures affected by the disease.
“In 2024, Nigeria had an estimated 44,000 new breast cancer cases and over 21,000 deaths. Behind these figures are women, families and futures. And The cases identified at POCCH remind us why early detection matters.”
The POCCH chief executive explained that mammography could identify breast changes before symptoms appeared, adding that early diagnosis and prompt treatment could save lives.
“A mammogram can find changes before symptoms appear. Finding cancer early and treating it promptly can save lives. That is why we aim to provide up to 10,000 free mammograms: to remove a cost barrier and help more women get checked. And Today, registration opens; screening appointments will follow.”
Rahme said Health Invest Africa works with governments across Nigeria to strengthen healthcare management and improve access to specialist medical services. He described the partnership with the Rivers State Government as a practical demonstration of the shared commitment to making specialised healthcare more accessible. He also commended the hospital’s team for their dedication, expressing hope that the initiative would bring relief and renewed hope to women and their families.
“Across Nigeria, Health Invest Africa works with government to strengthen healthcare management and bring specialist care closer to communities. Here at POCCH, our partnership with the Rivers State Government turns that shared vision into service. Dr Wachukwu, thank you to you and the Ministry for your continuous support. To our team: your dedication is planting seeds of hope. May God bless your efforts and the families we serve.”
Calling on women to participate in the programme, Rahme reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of the community. The POCCH chief executive further described the symbolic ringing of the bell in the hospital’s oncology department as a celebration of new beginnings, hope and life for patients who complete their cancer treatment. He said the campaign was intended to give more women the opportunity to survive breast cancer and allow families to enjoy more years together.
“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. More families the hope of many years together. That is the future we are working for. That is why we are here.”
The initiative is expected to improve access to breast cancer screening by removing the financial barrier associated with mammography and encouraging more women to seek early diagnosis and treatment.
