NAOWA 1 Division Chairperson, Mrs Saraso Launches Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign 2024

NAOWA 1 Division Chairperson, Mrs Saraso Launches Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign 2024

The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) 1 Division Chapter, led by it’s Chairperson Mrs Ada Lander Saraso, launched the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign 2024 with the inspiring theme, “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone.” The event took place on 31 October 2024, at Hajiya Salamatu Yahaya Center, Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna.

Mrs Saraso emphasized the importance of unity and resilience among women, urging them to serve as advocates and support systems for one another in the fight against breast cancer. “This disease affects millions of women worldwide, and the knowledge shared today has the power to save lives,” she stated. She called upon women to seize the opportunity to learn, share, and strengthen community bonds as together, the community will stand united in the fight against breast cancer.

Mrs Saraso used the opportunity to thank the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army Maj Gen Mayirenso Lander Saraso, whose continuous support to the Chapter has been vital to its mission. She also appreciated and applauded the President NAOWA Mrs Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja, for her motherly support and immense contribution to NAOWA 1 Division Chapter.

During the awareness, medical experts took centre stage to educate the attendees. Dr Saliha Hamza of 1 Division Medical Services and Hospital Kaduna underscored the importance of early detection and preventive measures, advising women to adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce risks of breast Cancer.

Similarly, Dr Fatima Idris of Nigerian Defence Academy Hospital stressed that while breast cancer is predominantly a women’s disease, it also affects a small percentage of men. She urged women of over 45 years of age to prioritize the use of mammograms for early detection.

In same vein, Mrs Fatima Yakubu Arilesere, a microbiologist working with the Nigerian Defence Academy Hospital, warned about the misuse of antibiotics and certain cosmetic products, emphasizing the importance of good hygiene in order to reduce the risks of breast Cancer.

Another resource, Major AE Ayankop of 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna highlighted the risk factors, including genetics, lack of exercise, and certain reproductive factors, along with preventive measures to be taken against breast cancer.

Highlights of the event include an awareness fitness walk, lectures, interactive sessions, and group photographs.