Hassy’s Haven Foundation has called on the Federal Government to urgently strengthen cancer prevention, early detection and affordable treatment programmes to curb the rising number of deaths among indigent women across Nigeria.
The foundation made the call on Wednesday in Kaduna as part of activities to mark the 2026 World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4.
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that the World Cancer Day is observed globally to raise awareness and mobilise action towards reducing preventable cancer deaths and improving access to care.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Hajiya Hussaina Yakubu, said many women were dying from cancer not because the disease was untreatable, but due to poverty, late diagnosis, stigma and limited access to quality healthcare.
Hajiya Yakubu described cancer as a social justice issue, noting that vulnerable women were often forced into painful choices between survival and seeking medical treatment.
“Too many women are dying because they are poor, unheard and unsupported. No woman should have to choose between feeding her children and accessing cancer care,” she said.
She explained that Hassy’s Haven Foundation was established in memory of her late twin sister, Hassana Yakubu, who battled cancer for eight years before her death.
According to her, the foundation provides emotional support, advocacy, awareness campaigns and financial assistance to indigent female cancer patients, as well as widows and orphans affected by the disease.
The foundation also urged state governments, private sector organisations, health institutions and development partners to invest in early screening programmes, subsidise treatment costs and decentralise oncology services to rural and underserved communities.
Hagiya Yakubu, further, called on Nigerians to break the silence and stigma associated with cancer, stressing that early detection and strong community support significantly improve survival outcomes.
She reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting indigent female cancer patients, widows and children, while sustaining awareness and advocacy efforts nationwide.
The foundation also appealed for partnerships and support from the Federal and state governments, as well as relevant organisations, to enable it to expand its reach to more cancer patients.
