NAOWA Champions Breast Cancer Awareness in Kebbi

By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi 

The Nigerian Army Officers' Wives Association (NAOWA) in Kebbi State recently held a breast cancer awareness event at Dukku Barracks in Birnin Kebbi, as part of the 2024 Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities. The event, organized in collaboration with Sisters of Jannah (SOJ) and sponsored by End Cervical Cancer Nigeria. Initiative (ECCNI), kicked off with a health walk and aerobic exercise at 1 Battalion, Dukku Barracks.

Mrs. Juliana Dauda, NAOWA's Area Representative in Kebbi State, emphasized that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer. "The aim is to encourage early detection, support those affected, and fund research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure," she explained. Dauda stressed the importance of early detection and treatment in reducing mortality rates, which can result from negligence and lack of knowledge.

 Dauda encouraged frequent medical checkups among women, especially when abnormal growth is suspected in or around the breasts and other vital body parts. She assured that NAOWA would do everything possible to increase survival rates in the state and country. NAOWA's mission is built on unity and charity, helping the less privileged and reaching out to the poor.

The theme for World Breast Cancer Day 2024, "No one should face breast cancer alone," emphasizes patient-centered care, addressing medical, emotional, psychological, and social support through patient navigation systems . Dr. Ishak Lawal, Executive Director of ECCNI, highlighted the importance of awareness, stating that people perish due to lack of knowledge. He noted that ECCNI's activities focus on achieving cervical cancer elimination targets in low-resource settings.

Lawal expressed concern about the alarming increase in cancer cases, currently at 27 million, and projected to reach 40 million by 2025-2040 if decisive action is not taken. Alhaji Aminudeen Attahiru-Nasarawa, Coordinator of the Nafisa Nasiru Charity Development Foundation (NANAS), highlighted the foundation's interventions in health and women's empowerment.