Pink Africa Foundation Takes Cancer Awareness, Free Screening to Communities

By Ekanem Asuquo 

The Pink Africa Foundation has intensified efforts to promote cancer awareness, encourage early detection and improve access to healthcare through a community outreach programme offering free cancer screening and medical services.

The initiative, led by the Foundation’s President and Founder, Dr. Nchiewe Ani, focuses on breast cancer awareness while providing screening for breast, cervical and prostate cancers.

Speaking to journalists ahead the 2026 edition of Pink Africa Day slated for tomorrow Saturday October 24, Ani said the campaign was motivated by concerns over preventable deaths among women due to inadequate awareness, late diagnosis and limited access to screening and treatment.

“Many women die yearly from breast cancer because of a lack of awareness and sensitisation. Pink Africa Foundation is here to educate, create awareness and encourage early detection,” she said.

She urged women to conduct regular breast checks, recognise warning signs and seek prompt medical attention, adding that survivors would share their experiences to encourage others to overcome fear and seek treatment.

Beyond cancer screening, beneficiaries will receive free medications for selected common ailments, including malaria, typhoid, cough and peptic ulcer disease, subject to medical assessment and availability. Eye health services, reading glasses for eligible participants, refreshments and a lucky dip are also part of the programme.

Dr Ani said the Foundation was established to empower women and children through education, healthcare and social welfare, particularly in underserved communities.

The outreach brings together medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians and public health professionals from teaching and general hospitals, including Asi Ukpo, Aruba and Navy hospitals. Public health workers will also collect relevant data to assess community health needs and guide future interventions, while protecting participants’ privacy.

“The rate at which women lose their lives to cancer is worrisome. We believe that no woman should lose her life because of inadequate awareness, and financial limitations should not prevent people from accessing essential medical services,” Ani said, calling for stronger partnerships to sustain the initiative.

Meanwhile, the Foundation will hold its 2026 Go-Pink Africa Day campaign in Calabar on Saturday, October 24, under the theme, “Turn-Up The Fight In Breast Cancer Care.”

The campaign will begin at Millennium Park at 7am, with participants proceeding to Government Secondary School, Akim, near Rabana Roundabout, for free medical screenings.

Queen Bright Asuquo, the Foundation’s official Face for 2026, will lead the awareness campaign. Donated items will also be distributed free through a lucky dip.

The Foundation said its next outreach was scheduled for October 2027.