By Esther Onyegbula

No fewer than 1,000 persons have benefitted from free colorectal cancer screenings conducted by the David Omenukor Foundation in Imo State, as part of activities marking the 2026 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

The large-scale intervention, themed “Blue Hat & Bow Tie,” held at Golden Vista Hotel, brought together participants from across the state for comprehensive screening exercises, health education, and expert-led sessions aimed at tackling the growing burden of late-stage cancer diagnoses.

Commending the initiative, the First Lady of Imo State, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Chioma Vivian Egu, described the programme as timely and impactful in promoting early detection and prevention.
She stressed the importance of regular health checks and public awareness, urging residents to pay attention to warning signs such as persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal discomfort and unexplained fatigue.

According to her, the state government remains committed to cancer advocacy through platforms such as the Good Hope Women Flourish Initiative and First Ladies Against Cancer, noting that sustained enlightenment campaigns are critical to breaking the silence and stigma associated with colorectal cancer.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, a Consultant at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Dr Christopher Ekwunife, raised concerns over the increasing incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer in developing countries.

He maintained that early screening remains the most effective tool in reducing mortality.
“At an early stage, it is easier to treat, less expensive, and has fewer long-term consequences. These are preventable deaths if detected early,” he said.

In her welcome address, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Dr Keyna Omenukor, underscored the need for individuals to take responsibility for their health through regular screenings and open conversations around colorectal cancer.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Tertiary and Technical Education, Prof. Victor Nwachukwu, pledged to extend key messages from the campaign to tertiary institutions across the state, targeting young people as vital stakeholders in public health awareness.

The programme, organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Cancer Society and the Global Colon Cancer Association, featured contributions from medical experts including Dr Ijeoma Dozie and Prof. Rev. Sr. Evangeline Oparaocha.
The Imo State Chairman of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Dr Okechukwu Duru, emphasised the importance of grassroots engagement in combating cancer, noting that community-based interventions remain crucial in driving behavioural change.

Participants also benefitted from on-site registration for further screenings, with support from Lifeway Diagnostic Centre and All Med Diagnostic Centre, while medical volunteers led by Dr Rita Ukeredi were commended for their professionalism.

Stakeholders at the event called for sustained collaboration among government, private organisations and health professionals to scale up awareness, improve access to screening, and ultimately reduce cancer-related deaths.

They reiterated that early detection remains the most potent weapon in the fight against colorectal cancer, as the “Blue Hat & Bow Tie” campaign continues to gain traction in promoting preventive healthcare nationwide.