NAWOJ urges women to undergo monthly breast screening for early cancer detection
The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rivers State Chapter, on Friday called on women to go to hospital for monthly screening of their breast for early detection of breast cancer.
Mrs Susan Serekara-Nwikhana, the Chairperson of NAWOJ, made the call during a sensitisation programme organised by Engracedlife Foundation(Aka save a breast) in partnership with NAWOJ and the Rivers State Ministry of Health in commemoration of the World Breast Cancer Day.
The programme with the theme”Close the Care Gap”, was held at Rumuokwuta Government Girls Secondary School in Port Harcourt.
Serekara-Nwikhana said that the aim of the awareness is to have a cancer-free society in the state and the world at large.
She stated that with the new drive and partnership with the state health ministry, Engracedlife Foundation, women in the state will be more aware of what to do to be free from breast cancer disease.
Mrs Ethel Olomu, a stage four breast cancer survivor, who is also the Founder of Engracedlife Foundation, called on women to always go for breast screening for early detection of cancer if any.
Olomu urged women who are screened of breast cancer not to be afraid of chemotherapy, saying that breast cancer is not a death sentence.
“Yes, we have the habit of going to our pastors to pray for us, while your pastor prays for you, please still go to hospital for treatment and for women who have not detected any lumps, please go for your monthly check,” she stated.
Dr. Sandra Abolo, a Medical Doctor working with the State Ministry of Health, said that breast cancer is one of the second commonest cause of mortality, but early detection of it could be prevented and treated.
“This is why we advocate on a day like the world cancer day that people should go and get screened for breast cancer, because cervical cancer, prostate cancer are preventable if people go to hospital,” she said.
Abolo mentioned some of the risks factors of cancer as unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyle without exercise, obesity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Mrs Sylvaline Ogwuzuo, the Principal of the secondary school, commended the organisers for their wide sensitisation programme, and called on the students and teenage girls to inform their parents when they notice any abnormality on their breasts.
