The Naval Officers Wives Association, NOWA. on Saturday conducted a Fitness and Breast Cancer Awareness Walk at the Admiralty Estate, Asokoro, with the President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa reiterating that, early detection of the ailment saves lives pointing out that screening, self-examination and education are crucial.
She said, “The Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed annually in October to raise awareness, educate and support individuals affected by breast cancer.
“World Health Organisation reported that 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 670 thousand died from the disease; this equates to a woman being diagnosed every 2 minutes with breast cancer and dying every 50 seconds from the same disease, hence the need to create more awareness as part of activities in October being breast cancer awareness month.
“Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women worldwide. It’s a harsh reality that touches families, friends and communities. But we’re not just talking statistics; we’re stories of hope and courage.
“Today, we stand together, united in our quest to conquer breast cancer. I’m honored to join you in this powerful movement. We walk for hope, for healing and for a future where breast cancer is the thing of the past.
“To the survivors, your strength inspires us. Your journey is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for determination and resilience.
“To those currently battling with it, know that you’re not alone, we’re here for you, and we’ll continue to fight alongside you.
‘Therefore, the need to know that, early detection saves lives, screening, self-examination and education are crucial.
“Let’s break the silence, encourage conversations and support researches because breast cancer awareness is a reminder of the importance of healthcare access and as Evelyn Lauder (Co-Founder, Breast Cancer Research Foundation) stated and I quote “Breast Cancer is not just a woman’s issue, it’s a human issue”.
She called for all to carry out periodic screening and self-examination saying, “Let us know that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than just a campaign; it’s a movement. Let’s unite, amplify the message and make a difference.
Mrs Oghogho expressed gratitude to the President Naval Officers’ Wives Association Mrs Ijeoma Blessing Ogalla, Executives and Members of NOWA for having me here and making the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk a success.
In her remarks, the NOWA President, represented by the Vice President, Mrs Zainab Akpan said, “Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers, affecting women globally in every corner of the world. According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer accounts for approximately 2.3 million new cases each year, representing 11.7 per cent of all cancer cases.
“It is alarming to note that breast cancer is also the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. It is estimated that 685,000 women are losing their lives to the disease. Hence, the importance of early detection, timely intervention, and access to adequate healthcare services cannot be under stated
“In our own country, Nigeria, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women. It accounts for over 22.7 per cent of all new cancer cases in women, therefore the mortality rate remains high, largely due to late diagnosis and limited access to treatment.
“As wives, mothers, sisters, and care-givers, we all have an important role to play in spreading awareness, encouraging regular screenings, and supporting those in our communities who are battling this disease.
“Today’s fitness and breast cancer awareness walk is not just a symbolic gesture but a call to action. It is a reminder that breast cancer is not just a women’s issue—it is a family, a societal and a global challenge.
“Together, through initiatives like this, we can continue to break the silence, create awareness, reduce the stigma and provide the much-needed support to survivors and their families.
“I hereby urge each one of us to become advocates of change. Let us educate ourselves and others about the signs and symptoms of this menace, the importance of self-examinations and the necessity of regular medical check-ups. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the higher the chances of survival and that is a message we must amplify in every way we can.”
Also speaking at the event, Mrs Adedayo Benjamin of the FCT ministry said women should come together and say no to breast cancer noting that “women with breast cancer are women with stories to tell”.
“Together, we should say no to breast cancer. It must end. It is not a death sentence.. We are women standing together, United against this ailment saying prevention is the only sure stand. It brings about detection and this brings about resolution.
