More than 1,000 individuals have benefited from free colorectal cancer screenings organized by the David Omenukor Foundation as part of activities marking the 2026 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
The large-scale intervention, themed “Blue Hat & Bow Tie,” was held at Golden Vista Hotel, bringing together participants from across Imo State for screening exercises, health education, and expert-led sessions focused on reducing late-stage cancer diagnoses.
The First Lady of Imo State, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Vivian Egu, commended the Foundation for its proactive efforts in promoting early detection and prevention.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Egu emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and healthy living, urging residents to pay attention to warning signs such as persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal discomfort, and unexplained fatigue.
She reaffirmed the First Lady’s commitment to cancer advocacy through initiatives like the Good Hope Women Flourish Initiative and First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), stressing the need to break the silence and stigma surrounding colorectal cancer.
A consultant at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Dr. Christopher Ekwunife, described early screening as the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer deaths, particularly amid rising cases of early-onset diagnoses in developing countries.
“At an early stage, it is easier to treat, less expensive, and has fewer long-term consequences. These are preventable deaths if detected early,” he said.
In her welcome address, the Foundation’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Keyna Omenukor, called on Nigerians to adopt a proactive approach to their health through regular screenings and open conversations about colorectal cancer.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Tertiary and Technical Education, Prof. Victor Nwachukwu, pledged to extend awareness campaigns to tertiary institutions, targeting young people as key stakeholders in public health advocacy.
The programme, organized in collaboration with the Nigerian Cancer Society and the Global Colon Cancer Association, featured contributions from medical experts including Dr. Ijeoma Dozie and Prof. Rev. Sr. Evangeline Oparaocha.
Imo State Chairman of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Dr. Okechukwu Duru, highlighted the importance of grassroots engagement in tackling cancer, while medical volunteers led by Dr. Rita Ukeredi were commended for their role in the successful exercise.
Additional screenings were also facilitated through partnerships with Lifeway Diagnostic Centre and All Med Diagnostic Centre.
Stakeholders at the event called for sustained collaboration to expand awareness and improve access to early detection services,
noting that initiatives like the “Blue Hat & Bow Tie” campaign are critical in reducing cancer-related deaths across the country.
