NAOWA: Over Seven Million Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer Lack Proper Detection, Treatment

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) has taken a vigorous awareness campaign on breast and cervical cancer to 3rd Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, Plateau State.

As part of the campaign, NAOWA embarked on cancer awareness walk and public lecture to mark 2023 Breast Cancer Day, lamenting that more than seven million women diagnosed with breast cancer in recent years might lack proper detection and treatment measures.

The Chairperson of NAOWA, Mrs. Fibishola Abubakar, in her remark, said that global studies indicated that in the year 2020, about 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 685,000 died of the deadly disease.

Abubakar, therefore, stressed the need for awareness campaigns like the one held by NAOWA.

She passionately advocated for continued support for breast cancer early detection programmes, preventive measures, and treatments to reduce the mortality rate attributed to lack of awareness.

She said: “Public health education is a crucial tool to raise awareness among women and their families, ensuring they understand the importance of early detection.”

She expressed gratitude for the visionary leadership and unwavering support of NAOWA President, Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja, and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3rd Armoured Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and said that all hands must be on deck to drastically reduce the scourge of breast cancer in Nigeria.

Presenting a talk on the prevalence, risk factors, and prevention of cervical cancer, a midwife, Mrs. Amarachi Favor, emphasised the vital role of regular Papilloma smear screening, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, and early detection in mitigating the disease.

On her part, a Staff Nurse, Mrs. Judith Onuoha, emphasised the importance of regular clinical check-ups and mammograms. She also cleared misconceptions about the disease and urged women to take charge of their breast health.

Meanwhile, Dr. Akom Bassey and Major E. Effiong explored the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures against prostate and liver cancers respectively, highlighting the role of good diets and healthy lifestyles in reducing risks. They also stressed the importance of exercise and regular medical check-ups.