Survivors, health professionals, policymakers, and other residents have called for increased awareness, early detection, and support for people living with cancer.
This was at the 12th edition of Walk Away Cancer, held on Saturday in Abuja with the theme: “One Walk, One Fight,” as part of activities marking the final day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, popularly known as Pink October.

The 5km awareness walk, organised by the Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF), attracted participants to Monoliza Park, Area 11, Garki.
Led by the foundation’s founder, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, former First Lady of Kebbi State and President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the event featured survivor testimonies, goodwill messages, celebrity performances and an after-walk concert.
The campaign, through its combination of awareness, screening and vaccination activities, highlighted the importance of prevention and early detection in the fight against the disease.

The programme began with an aerobics session before participants embarked on the community awareness walk along designated routes in the Federal Capital Territory.
A major feature of the campaign was the Health Village, where participants accessed free health services, including clinical breast examinations, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, hepatitis testing and eye screenings.

Participants also received screening coupons for discounted digital mammograms at Medicaid facilities, while young girls were offered Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to protect against the virus responsible for most cervical cancer cases.
The foundation said proceeds from sales of branded Walk Away Cancer kits would support its patient assistance programmes, including financial support and treatment navigation for cancer patients across the country.
The 12th edition followed two build-up activities organised on Friday, October 30, including a solidarity visit to patients at the National Hospital, Abuja.
The foundation also hosted the Pink October Pop-up sales event and fashion show at Monoliza Park, featuring brands such as PriscyLuxe, owned by actress Priscilla Ojo, Ciar, Roza, Amida, Shanty’s and Ksei Legacy Wear.

According to the organisers, 20 per cent of profits from the sales would be channelled towards supporting cancer patients.
“Cancer remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with late diagnosis and the high cost of treatment posing significant barriers to survival,” the organisers stated.