MWAN, NEDC drive cancer awareness in Yobe, offer free screening to women
Story by Susan Mbamah
The North-East Development Commission (NEDC), in partnership with the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Yobe State chapter, has held a community sensitization programme at the Nayi Nawane community in Damaturu to raise awareness on breast and cervical cancer prevention.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of MWAN Yobe, Dr. Bintu Abba, said the campaign was designed to encourage women to carry out regular breast self-examinations and visit health facilities for screening and vaccination against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer.
Dr. Abba expressed concern over the increasing number of women dying from breast and cervical cancer in Nigeria, stressing that early detection remains the most effective way to save lives. She urged women to check their breasts monthly for any unusual changes and ensure routine medical screening.
She further advised that girls aged 9 to 14 receive the HPV vaccine, while women should cultivate healthy lifestyles, including proper diet, physical activity, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Also speaking, Dr. Asma’u and Dr. Adama Gambo encouraged women and girls to seek prompt medical attention if they notice abnormal symptoms in their breasts or reproductive organs.
The event featured a road walk, talk shows, lectures, interactive sessions, as well as free screening for hundreds of women from the Nayi Nawane community.
Dr. Abba noted that one in eight women is at risk of breast cancer in her lifetime, emphasizing the theme of the campaign “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters.”
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In her presentation, Dr. Saratu highlighted the dangers of HPV, noting that it is a major cause of cervical cancer and can lead to death if left untreated. She stressed the importance of vaccination and regular screening, adding that the exercise will continue at hospitals and primary healthcare centres across Yobe State after the week-long campaign.
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