DEPOWA President Advises Women on Regular Mammograms As NAOWA Organises Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

DEPOWA President Advises Women on Regular Mammograms As NAOWA Organises Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

In a bid to raise more awareness of breast cancer amongst women in the barracks, the Nigerian Army Officer Wives Association (NAOWA) has on Monday 2 October 2023, organised a Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in commemoration of the International Day against Breast Cancer which is an annual event marked across the globe in October of every year to raise awareness on how to fight breast cancer with the theme “Thrive 365”. 

NAOWA President, Mrs Maria Abiodun Lagbaja in her remarks at NAOWA Events Centre, Mambilla Barracks, Abuja, the venue of the campaign noted that members of the association alongside representatives from DEPOWA, NAFOWA, NOWA and POWA had a walk to create awareness in the barrack community and also exercise their bodies. 

Mrs Lagbaja urged them on the importance of healthy lifestyles, early detection, prevention, and the power of knowledge in preventing breast Cancer. “Breast cancer knows no boundaries, and we must equip ourselves with the necessary information to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Through this event, we aim to create a platform for open dialogue, where we can share experiences, learn from experts, and ask questions. Together, we can break the silence surrounding breast cancer and ensure that no woman feels alone in her journey” she said 

She added that, “the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, should hold a special place in every woman’s heart because it is likely every one of us here knows or have heard of a woman that has had the disease or died from the disease. The awareness activities provide us with an opportunity to come together as a community and raise awareness about a disease that affects countless lives, not only in Nigeria but around the world. It is a time to unite, educate, and support one another in the fight against breast cancer.”

Addressing participants, the Special Guest of Honour, Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa, President of DEPOWA noted that breast cancer is not a death sentence and that early detection can lead to successful treatment and a good quality of life.

She said it is our collective responsibility to encourage wives, sisters, mothers, and daughters to prioritize their health and take proactive steps towards early detection of breast cancer. 

Mrs Musa encouraged women to regularly engage in self-examination of their breasts and report any changes to their healthcare provider without any delay, stressing that Regular mammograms for women who are over the age of 40 is also crucial in detecting breast cancer early.

There was a medical check-up, a breast Cancer test for all participants, a health walk from the NAOWA Event Centre through Mambilla Barracks, a short presentation by Dr Titilayo Oyinlola on Breast Cancer symptoms and prevention, a short video on self-breast examination and a short testimonial by Breast Cancer Survival, Mrs Titilola Odunuga.

Breast Cancer is a devastating disease that has affected millions of women worldwide. It is a disease that affects the lives of not only the patients but their families and loved ones as well. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women and early detection is crucial in the fight against it.

Lack of awareness, societal bias and fear of the unknown are some of the reasons why women delay or avoid breast cancer examinations. Women must take their destiny in their hands by conducting regular check-ups.