The Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana-Aisha Shettima has commended the President, DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa for striving towards contributing to the success of this global campaign to increase awareness among men and women and for raising awareness about the scourge of breast cancer, noting that this effort is not only commendable, but also a very inspiring example for other organizations to emulate.
Hajiya Nana-Aisha Shettima who is also the Vice Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria gave this commendation at the DEPOWA 2024 Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, Tagged "No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone" in Abuja.
The wife of the VP who was represented by the DG, Mariam Babangida Women Centre, Dr Asabe Vilita Bashir congratulated all of participants for not only do they walk the talk that is, "not only did they walk the awareness of cancer, breast cancer, but they did the walking, we did the walk. So congratulations to all of us this morning. And as women, we know that our greatest challenge is this breast cancer, which up to date is threatening the lives of the women.
"As we all know, as long as we carry this flesh on our chest, the breast cancer finds the breast a very convenient place to stay. Therefore, we must walk the talk. We must create awareness to our sisters so that we fight this cause squarely.
She urged each them to create awareness and share information about the risk factors associated with breast cancer, to promote screening, encourage regular mammograms for early detection, and to provide resources and share information about available care services and support networks.
"If we do these three, we are going to face breast cancer in whatever way it comes. By working together, we can empower ourselves and our communities with knowledge leading to early diagnosis and ultimately better outcomes for those affected by this disease",she said
In her remarks, the President of DEPOWA Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa said the month of October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and its more than a campaign, its a time to reaffirm commitments to fight the disease, and it is a movement, urging women to unite, amplify the message, and make a difference.
"Today, we gather to honor survivors, remember loved ones lost, and reaffirm our dedication to eradicating breast cancer. Breast cancer affects one in eight women worldwide. It's a harsh reality that crushes families, friends, and communities but we are not just statistics, we are stories of hope, courage, and resilience.
"In 2022, the World Health Organization reported that 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 617,000 died from the disease. This equates to a woman being diagnosed every two minutes with breast cancer and dying every 50 seconds from the same disease highlighting the burden of this dreaded disease.
"Hence, the need to create more awareness as part of activities in October being the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Therefore, they need to know that early detection saves lives Mammogram screening, breast examinations, and education are crucial. Even though this is common among women, men can also be affected and develop breast cancer especially men with positive family history.
"Therefore, let's break the silence Encourage conversations and support research around breast cancer because breast cancer awareness is a reminder of the importance of healthcare As Angelina Jolie, an American actress and a breast cancer awareness advocate stated that We need to make sure women know their options and have access to quality care". She said
In her presentation, Dr Juliet Ango encouraged women to know their family history, visit their doctor regularly for medical checkup and clinical exam. "In as much as we'll be doing self-examination, the doctor from time to time is supposed to be able to examine you medically, clinically, and see whether there is any lump.
"And also visit your doctor for medical check. Medical check is not only for breast examination but to do a full comprehensive medical checkup. Check your full blood count, check your profile, check your liver enzymes and know your status. Your sugar level, know your blood pressure and all that so that you will be holistically healthy. And also conduct a yearly mammogram. That is why we are here.
"For the fact that we are women, we are at risk. For the fact that we are growing old every day, increasing age, we can't do anything about it, we are at risk. And if you have a positive family history, you have a mother, you have a sister, you have a cousin, or a grandmother that has suffered from breast cancer, your risk of developing breast cancer is doubled.
SpyeTV News reports that, the Campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness, which began in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the Pharmaceutical Division of Imperial Chemical Industries, is marked every year in October.
Hence, every October is now known as Pink October. Over the years, these campaigns about breast cancer, which is currently the second most commonly diagnosed cancer globally, have successfully raised awareness about the importance of prevention and routine screening for early detection.
The Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, Tagged "No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone" organised by the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff and DEPOWA President, Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa was attended by members of the association, MIWA Chief Executive Officer Partnership for Eradication of Cancer in Africa, PECA Members, NAOWA, NOWA, NAFOWA, POWA, NASWA MIWA and other sister services associations.
- SpyeTV