Olufunsho Amosun’s Foundation Funds Free Breast Lump Surgeries for 30 Women in Ogun

The Uplift Development Foundation, founded by Olufunsho Amosun, wife of former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, has sponsored free breast lump removal surgeries for 30 women in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The former First Lady disclosed this on Tuesday during a surgical intervention programme, explaining that the initiative was designed to ensure that financial difficulties did not prevent women from accessing necessary medical treatment.

Amosun said the foundation began supporting women who needed surgery in 2017 after discovering that some beneficiaries identified with breast lumps during screening exercises could not afford further investigations and treatment.

She explained that the foundation had been conducting cancer awareness campaigns, advocacy and screening since 2012, but the need to support patients beyond diagnosis became increasingly clear.

“We started cancer awareness, advocacy and screening in 2012. But we realised that after identifying women with breast lumps, some of them could not afford the treatment they needed,” she said.

According to Amosun, the latest screening exercise covered 655 people and identified 81 cases of cervical-related health concerns and 53 breast-related cases. Of the breast-related cases, 50 involved lumps, while further medical assessments established that 30 women required surgery. The foundation subsequently funded their procedures at no cost to the beneficiaries.

She commended the surgeons, medical personnel and other health workers who participated in the programme, stressing that early detection must be accompanied by access to appropriate treatment. Amosun also disclosed that a special section was introduced during this year’s screening to encourage prominent individuals to undergo medical checks, noting that cancer screening should be taken seriously by everyone.

A paediatric oncologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Dr Morufat Ogundeyi, expressed concern over the number of breast lumps identified during the exercise. She said the figure was higher than in previous programmes, which typically recorded about 15 lumpectomies.

Ogundeyi urged members of the public to embrace regular medical screening and avoid ignoring symptoms that may require medical attention. She emphasised the importance of early diagnosis in helping patients access appropriate treatment promptly.

“Cancer affects both children and adults. Early diagnosis is important because it helps patients get appropriate treatment on time,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries, Aminat Adebesin, said the intervention had relieved her of a financial burden that might have delayed her treatment. She explained that she had discovered the lump recently and was grateful to have received surgery without worrying about how to pay for it.

The programme highlights the importance of linking health screening with affordable treatment, particularly for people who might otherwise struggle to meet medical expenses.