By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Recently, over 200 women in Lagos had the opportunity to undergo free cancer screening and treatment through an initiative sponsored by Rite Foods Limited.
The programme was organised by the Optimal Cancer Care Foundation and it gave room for beneficiaries to get the latest information on breast and cervical cancer.
According to the Medical Director of the foundation, Dr Femi Olaleye, the initiative is aimed at sensitizing the women on the dangers of the disease which can be harmful to health if not detected and treated at an early stage.
It would be done across the state, but it only started in Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area of Lagos State at the Lagos City Centre.
During the programme, officials of the organisation carried out extensive breast examinations on the women to ascertain whether they have lumps on them.
They also conducted cervical cancer screening on them through a visual stethoscope for possible treatment, as it is a disease that severely affects their internal body system if not detected early.
According to Mr Olaleye, most women do not know they have these infections and carry them for many years, hence the need for proper awareness to enable them to know the health implications associated with it.
He pointed out that the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a perfect guideline for the prevention of cervical cancer in a low resource economy, which does not require going to the hospital but can be diagnosed through a medical examination called “see and treat” like what his foundation has done.
The medical director assured that the scheme will be extended to other parts of Lagos State, with lkorodu and Lekki district in July, Onigbongbo area in August, Amuwo Odofin in September and Ebute Metta in October
It was gathered Rite Foods supported the programme as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative and it received commendations for this, especially the women who partook in it.
The Brand Manager of Rite Foods, Ms Boluwatife Adedugbe, further disclosed that this scheme is part of the company’s effort at giving back to society and also in boosting the healthiness of the women, who form parts of the consumers of the company’s quality food and beverage brands.
She affirmed that the company is poised towards ensuring the wellbeing of the people where it operates and for a better society that is free from diseases.
According to her, Rite Foods will continue in its stride to identify with organizations that promote initiatives that resonate with the company’s objectives of adding value to lives and help in making the country a better place.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Aduragbemi Omiyale