Ibrahim Lawal, Educator, Executive Director at Imran Foundation, shared on LinkedIn:
“Does Cancer Awareness Truly Reach the Deaf Community?
Participating in the Northeast Virtual Breast Cancer Dialogue left me with one important question:
Does cancer awareness truly reach the Deaf community?
While awareness campaigns for breast, cervical, and prostate cancers continue to expand across Nigeria, many Deaf people remain excluded because health information is rarely available in sign language or other accessible formats.
During our December 2025 cancer awareness pilot, implemented by Imran Foundation funded and supported by Cancer Consciousness initiative we discovered Deaf secondary (speechless of tertiary) students had little or no knowledge of cancer risk factors, warning signs, screening, or the importance of early detection. This highlights a critical gap in accessible health education.
This is also a major challenge to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Healthcare cannot be truly universal if people cannot access, understand, and act on life-saving health information.
As a Deaf Patient Navigator with Cancer Consciousness initiative, I have witnessed how meaningful inclusion can transform healthcare. CCI has demonstrated that Deaf people are not only beneficiaries of healthcare but can also serve as educators, advocates, and leaders in planning and implementing cancer awareness programs.
I commend the inclusive leadership of Dr. Hannatu Ayuba for recognizing the importance of Deaf-centric approach in cancer advocacy. I encourage health NGOs, national and international institutions, and development partners to collaborate with CCI in addressing health disparities and advancing accessible cancer awareness, prevention, and advocacy for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
Cancer awareness is only successful when it reaches everyone. No one should be left behind because health information was not communicated in a language they understand.”
Other articles of Cancer Consciousness initiative on OncoDaily.
