Cervical cancer prevention is a community responsibility – Founder, My Body My Asset

Amb. Dr (Mrs) Franca Ajeborsi Eze is more than a Stage II cervical cancer survivor. She is a woman who transformed a life-threatening diagnosis into a lifelong mission to save others. As the President and Founder of the My Body My Asset Cancer Foundation, she has spent the past decade championing cervical cancer awareness, early detection, HPV vaccination, patient support and community education across Nigeria. A certified healthcare professional and humanitarian, Eze has become one of the country’s leading voices in the fight against preventable cancers. In this exclusive interview with Patrick Iwelunmor, she reflects on her personal journey, the barriers to cervical cancer prevention in Nigeria, the importance of HPV vaccination, the role of advocacy in shaping public policy, and why prevention remains the nation’s most powerful weapon against cervical cancer.

You are a Stage II cervical cancer survivor whose personal experience gave birth to the My Body My Asset Cancer Foundation. How has your journey shaped your approach to cancer advocacy and women’s health in Nigeria?

My cancer journey completely changed the direction of my life. Being diagnosed with Stage II cervical cancer was one of the most difficult moments I have ever faced, but it also became the beginning of my purpose. Ten years ago, I made a bold decision to go for routine cervical screening. That decision saved my life. I am alive today because of early detection, early and proper medical treatment, and HPV vaccination after I was certified cancer-free.

My experience taught me that awareness alone is not enough. We must also provide education, counselling, psychosocial support, screening opportunities, access to subsidised treatment through collaboration with hospitals, and hope for survivors.

That is why I founded My Body My Asset Cancer Foundation. Our mission is simple: to reduce preventable cancers through awareness, prevention, early detection and collaboration. We are not just talking about cancer; we are empowering women to take charge of their health before it is too late. My journey has taught me that every survivor has a responsibility to become someone else’s reason to live.

Despite advances in prevention and treatment, cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among Nigerian women. In your view, what are the biggest barriers preventing women from accessing early screening and timely treatment?

The greatest barriers are ignorance, fear, stigma, poverty, misinformation and limited access to healthcare services. I was stigmatised at Yaba Market; a woman called me “Madam Toilet Infection”. She said it to spite me, but I adopted the name as a brand name.

Many women still believe that screening is only necessary when symptoms appear, but cervical cancer often develops silently. Others are afraid of discovering bad news and being associated with a terminal illness like cancer, while many simply cannot afford screening or treatment.

We also have cultural and religious misconceptions that discourage preventive healthcare. Most people practise “sick care”, which is why we have high death rates.

My Body My Asset focuses heavily on community education because we believe strongly in prevention. We meet women where they are: in churches, mosques, markets, schools, workplaces and communities, because information saves lives. Every woman deserves access to accurate information, regardless of where she lives.

Recently, we expanded our awareness efforts to include men, adult boys and college students. We believe everyone has the right to basic information about the human papillomavirus (HPV), its symptoms, its mode of transmission and its consequences. Cervical cancer prevention is not just a women’s issue; it is a community responsibility. The more informed our society becomes, the greater our chances of reducing HPV infections and preventing cervical cancer.

Your foundation has been at the forefront of cancer awareness campaigns. Looking back, what impact have these initiatives had, and what more needs to be done to improve public awareness, particularly in rural and underserved communities?

Over the past decade, we have seen lives transformed through awareness. Thousands of women have received health education, counselling and access to cervical and breast cancer screenings through our outreach programmes. We have partnered with healthcare providers, corporate organisations, media houses and community leaders to make cancer prevention conversations more accessible. One achievement I am particularly proud of is seeing women who once feared screening now becoming ambassadors who encourage others.

As someone who speaks Idoma, Igbo and Ezza fluently, I have also learnt that language plays a vital role in effective community engagement. Our cervical cancer outreach in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State in January 2026 was particularly successful because I was able to communicate directly with the women in Igbo. In some other communities, we relied on interpreters to ensure everyone understood the message. This experience has reinforced my belief that health education must be delivered in languages people understand if we truly want to change lives. However, much more remains to be done.

We need sustained government support, mobile screening clinics, stronger primary healthcare systems, increased HPV vaccination awareness, and education delivered in local languages. Rural communities should never be left behind simply because of geography.

The introduction of HPV vaccination presents a major opportunity to reduce the burden of cervical cancer. How can government, healthcare providers, schools, civil society organisations and the private sector work together to increase vaccine acceptance and coverage in Nigeria?

The elimination of cervical cancer is possible, but it requires a coordinated national effort. No single sector can achieve this alone. Government must continue to strengthen policies that make HPV vaccines accessible, affordable and available through public healthcare facilities. Healthcare providers have the responsibility to educate parents, caregivers and eligible individuals with accurate, evidence-based information while addressing fears and misconceptions.

Schools should integrate HPV and reproductive health education into their health curricula and encourage parents to take advantage of vaccination opportunities. Civil society organisations such as My Body My Asset Cancer Foundation must continue grassroots advocacy, community engagement and awareness campaigns that reach people in their own languages and cultural contexts.

Having combined your healthcare background with humanitarian service, what role do you believe patient advocacy groups should play in influencing cancer policies, improving access to care and supporting survivors?

Patient advocacy groups are the voice of the people. We understand the challenges patients face because many of us have experienced them personally or have walked closely with survivors and their families. Our role goes beyond creating awareness. We must advocate for policies that make cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment more affordable and accessible. We should work with government agencies, healthcare institutions and development partners to identify gaps in cancer care and recommend practical solutions.

At My Body My Asset Cancer Foundation, we believe no woman should be denied access to quality care because of financial limitations. This is why we collaborate with hospitals and diagnostic centres to provide subsidised screening and treatment opportunities whenever possible. Advocacy groups should also provide counselling, psychosocial support, patient navigation, survivor mentorship and continuous follow-up. Our responsibility is to ensure that every patient feels seen, heard, supported and empowered throughout their journey.

The private sector also has a significant role to play through corporate social responsibility by supporting vaccination campaigns, sponsoring awareness programmes and partnering with organisations that are already making a measurable impact in communities. At MBMACF, we strongly believe that vaccination, alongside routine screening and public education, gives us the greatest opportunity to prevent cervical cancer before it starts. We have provided three doses of the vaccine free of charge to some university students, while encouraging parents to allow their daughters to be vaccinated. Prevention will always be better, less expensive and more effective than treatment.

You have partnered with several leading consumer brands as an ambassador while championing cancer awareness. How can corporate organisations strengthen their contribution to public health through meaningful partnerships and sustained investment in cancer prevention initiatives?

Corporate organisations have the resources, influence and platforms to create a lasting public health impact. Meaningful partnerships should go beyond financial donations. Companies can support free and subsidised cancer screenings, HPV vaccination campaigns, awareness outreaches, educational materials, survivor support initiatives and community health programmes. They can also encourage preventive healthcare within their own workforce by organising routine health screenings and wellness education.

I have been privileged to collaborate with responsible brands that share our vision for healthier communities. Those partnerships have enabled us to reach more people with life-saving information and preventive services. I encourage more corporate organisations to see cancer prevention not merely as charity, but as a strategic investment in healthier families, healthier communities and a healthier nation. Sustainable partnerships produce sustainable impact.

Beyond the physical challenges, cancer often leaves emotional, psychological, social and financial scars on patients and their families. What advice would you give to newly diagnosed patients, and what support systems should healthcare providers prioritise to improve their quality of life?

My first message to anyone newly diagnosed with cancer is this: do not lose hope. Cancer is not always a death sentence. I stand here today as living proof that early detection, timely medical intervention and the right support can save lives. Accept your diagnosis, but never allow it to define your future. Seek treatment from qualified healthcare professionals, ask questions, follow your treatment plan faithfully, and avoid unverified remedies that may delay proper care. Lean on your family, your faith and trusted support systems, because no one should fight cancer alone.

Healthcare providers must remember that they are treating a human being, not just a disease. Beyond medical treatment, patients need counselling, psychosocial support, nutritional guidance, financial counselling, survivor mentorship and regular follow-up care.

At My Body My Asset Cancer Foundation, we believe that restoring hope is just as important as providing information. When patients are supported emotionally, psychologically, socially and medically, they are better equipped to complete treatment and rebuild their lives. Hope, compassion and quality healthcare together can make all the difference.