Breast Cancer Awareness: Once You See Something, Say Something — Mrs Maryam Abdussalam

Breast Cancer Awareness: Once You See Something, Say Something — Mrs Maryam Abdussalam

The Chairperson, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 6 Division Chapter, Mrs Maryam Abdussalam has emphasized the importance of regular breast checks for women. She made the emphasis on 28 October, 2024, during a Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign held at the Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya Badminton Court in Port Harcourt Barracks. The awareness campaign was held in commemoration of the United Nations Awareness Campaign on Breast Cancer with a theme “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone”.

Mrs Maryam Abdussalam further emphasized the importance of early detection of breast cancer, citing global statistics that revealed that one in eight women is affected by the disease. She stressed that early detection is crucial for effective intervention.

Mrs Abdussalam urged participants to take advantage of the free breast cancer examination available on sight. She also encouraged women to be vigilant about their bodies, urging them to utilise the opportunity to know more about breast cancer, by asking the medical experts relevant questions about breast cancer in any area they are in doubt.

During his lecture, Doctor Yusuf Felix from 6 Division Medical Services and Hospital (DMHS) also spoke about the significance of understanding the risk factors and early signs of breast cancer. He highlighted that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, which affected 2.3 million women worldwide, representing a deep health crisis in Nigeria. Dr Felix also outlined key early signs such as swelling, pain, unusual discharge, weight loss, and changes in breast shape or size. He advised women to monitor their health closely and seek medical attention early.

In a related development, Mrs Okonkwo Amanda, a laboratory scientist from the Rivers University Teaching Hospital also shared her personal story to the cause, having lost two of her loved ones to breast cancer. She encouraged women to openly discuss breast health issues and stressed the importance of early detection, noting that symptoms such as discharge can be a more serious problem. She recommended that women should perform self examinations 3 to 5 days after menstruation and remain vigilant.

In her closing remarks the Deputy Chairperson, NAOWA, 6 Division Chapter, Mrs Saliha Ahmed appreciated the Chairperson for organising the sensitization lecture. This, she said will go a long to safe many women from breast cancer. Mrs Ahmed further said public health education is a crucial tool to raise awareness among women and their families. She maintained that it will enhance the understanding and importance of early detection and prevention of breast cancer amongst the Barracks community.

The event combined fitness activities with an awareness walk, promoting health and community engagement among participants. It also featured walk out exercises, lectures and tutorials on breast cancer examination among others.