Health
Foundation pushes sustained investment in cancer care
Ayoola Babalola
The Toyin Oni Foundation has urged a shift from cancer awareness campaigns to sustained investment in prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and post-treatment support, warning that advocacy must translate into better care for people affected by the disease.
The foundation made the call at its 15th anniversary cancer advocacy and fundraising seminar in Lagos on Thursday, where health professionals and public officials stressed the need for stronger collaboration to improve cancer outcomes.
The event, themed “Beyond Awareness: Understanding Cancer from Prevention to Survivorship,” focused on gaps across the cancer care journey, including access to screening, timely treatment and support for survivors.
Delivering the keynote address, haematologist and Chief Executive Officer of Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Specialist Hospital, Prof. Modupe Odunsi, said cancer care required a coordinated system that supported patients beyond diagnosis and treatment.
“Cancer care must not begin and end with awareness. We need a continuum of care that prioritises prevention and early detection, ensures timely access to appropriate treatment, and provides the psychological, nutritional and social support patients need throughout their journey.
“Survivorship must also be recognised as an essential part of cancer care,” she said.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said improving cancer prevention and control required cooperation among government, healthcare professionals, private organisations and communities.
“Beyond raising awareness, we must strengthen access to screening, encourage early presentation at health facilities and support effective treatment and follow-up care for patients,” Abayomi said.
The Ogun State governor’s wife, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, represented by Mrs Folakemi Fatogbe, said advocacy should equip individuals and families to make informed health decisions while ensuring that people living with cancer and those who had completed treatment received support.
“Cancer advocacy must translate into practical action that empowers individuals and families to make informed health decisions,” she said, adding that preventive practices, early detection and supportive environments remained important.
The foundation’s founder, Akintola Oni, said the organisation’s work was inspired by the death of his wife, Toyin Oni, from breast cancer.
“The 15th anniversary is both a moment of reflection and a renewed call to action. We established the Toyin Oni Foundation in honour of my late wife, Toyin Oni, who died from breast cancer.
“Her memory continues to inspire our commitment to advocacy, community empowerment and efforts to ensure that more people have access to the information, support and care they need,” he said.
Oni said the anniversary should encourage deeper collaboration and sustained action beyond awareness campaigns.
The seminar also drew the foundation’s chairperson and Managing Director of FSDH Merchant Bank, Bukola Smith; nutritionist and Chief Operating Officer of Faleti Medical Centre, Hannah Alloh; cancer survivor Dr V. T. Aladewolu; and Medical Director of St Kizito Clinic, Dr Ndidi Amaka Nwosu.
Established 15 years ago, the foundation has carried out initiatives in women’s empowerment, sports development, entrepreneurship, and breast and cervical cancer awareness. It said continued cooperation among government agencies, healthcare providers, businesses and civil society organisations was necessary to strengthen cancer advocacy and support people affected by the disease.
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