Hassy’s Haven Foundation has called on the federal government to urgently strengthen cancer prevention, early detection and affordable treatment programmes to curb rising deaths among indigent women across the country.

The foundation made the call on Wednesday in Kaduna to mark the 2026 World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4.

The foundation’s CEO, Hussaina Yakubu, said many women were dying from cancer not because the disease was untreatable, but due to poverty, late diagnosis, stigma and lack of access to care.

Ms Yakubu described cancer as a social justice issue, stressing that vulnerable women were often forced to choose between survival and 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.

Ms Yalubu explained that the foundation was established in memory of her late twin sister, Hassana Yakubu, who battled cancer for eight years.

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.

It further called on Nigerians to break the silence and stigma surrounding cancer, noting that early detection and community support significantly improve survival outcomes.

The foundation further reaffirmed its commitment to supporting indigent female cancer patients, widows, and children, while sustaining awareness and advocacy efforts.

The foundation also called for partnerships and support from the federal and state governments, as well as relevant organisations, to expand its reach to more cancer patients.

(NAN)