COOUTH launches Free weeklong Cervical, Breast and Prostate Cancer Screening in Anambra
Elochukwu Benjamin
Awka
The Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku-Awka, has announced a one-week free cancer screening programme aimed at promoting early detection and reducing the burden of cervical, breast and prostate cancers in Anambra State.
The exercise, which will run from July 27 to July 31, 2026, will take place daily from 8:00 a.m. at the hospital’s Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) and Radiology.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Maureen Umeakuewulu, the initiative is being organised in commemoration of the lives and leadership of the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and the First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, with the aim of promoting the health of Anambra residents through early detection of cancer.
Umeakuewulu said women aged 25 to 65 years are eligible for free cervical cancer screening (Pap smear), while women 40 years and above can benefit from free mammography for early breast cancer detection.
“In addition, 200 men aged 40 years and above will receive free Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests for prostate cancer screening on a first-come, first-served basis,” she said.
Umeakuewulu stressed that early detection remains one of the most effective ways of improving treatment outcomes, adopting the campaign message: “Early Detection. Better Outcome. Your Health, Our Priority.”
The hospital noted that the programme is part of its commitment to preventive healthcare and public awareness, encouraging eligible residents to take advantage of the free screenings.
It urged members of the public to participate in the exercise, describing it as an opportunity for early diagnosis and timely medical intervention that could save lives.
