NAN-HG-4
Examination
Abeokuta, Oct. 5, 2017 (NAN) The Wife of Ogun Governor, Dr Olufunso Amosun, on Thursday, urged women to engage in regular breast self-examination for early detection of breast cancer and reduction in maternal mortality.
Amosun, who is the Founder of Uplift Development Foundation, gave the advice during the inauguration of the 2017 Free Breast and Cervical Cancers Awareness and Screening Campaign in Abeokuta.
The foundation organised the event for female professionals and civil/public servants in the state.
She noted that breast cancer prevalence among women prompted the foundation to take the initiative to launch a massive cancer sensitisation campaign, to raise awareness about the disease.
She cited a World Health Organisation’s (WHO) survey which revealed that “by 2020, there will be 10 million new cases of cancer yearly in developing countries, out of which six million will die.”
Amosun explained that breast and cervical cancers were very serious health challenges that affected women, irrespective of age, status and environment, adding that it had now been discovered even in young girls.
She further urged women, especially from 16 years and above, to carryout self-examination of their breasts every month, especially after their menstrual periods.
The governor’s wife advised participants to avail themselves of the free screening to know their health status and reduce the prevalence of breast and cervical cancer.
She enjoined women, across the three Senatorial districts in the state to visit any UPLIFT cancer screening centre close to them for free screening and treatment.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Babatunde Ipaye, said cancer is a dreaded and common disease among women which must be kicked out of the state to curb maternal mortality.
He commended the foundation for its social intervention and called for its emulation by individuals and corporate organisations.
Ipaye said breast cancer affected more women than men with about 12 million women losing their lives annually in Nigeria.
He urged beneficiaries of the free cancer screening to reciprocate the gesture of the governor’s wife by creating awareness on the disease in their communities.
Dr Stella Ogunmuyiwa, President, Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Ogun branch, explained that cancer was curable, if detected early.
She advised women to visit the hospital without delay for treatment if they notice any lump or change in their breast.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Olubunmi Adeola, praised the wife of the governor for the health initiative aimed at strengthening the health sector, saying that women would be better for it. (NAN)
YAF/CEO/DUA
Edited by Chidi Opara/Dada Ahmed
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