Early detection of breast, cervical cancer  key to saving lives as NAWOJ, PPFN organize free breast, cervical cancer screening in Bauchi

By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi 

It has been stressed that early detection of cancer of whatever form is major key to saving lives especially that of women, therefore, the need for regular breast and cervical cancer screening. 

The assertion was made during a free breast and cervical cancer screening conduct through a joint partnership between Bauchi State chapter of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) with support from the office of the Bauchi State First Lady, Aisha Bala Mohammed. 

The free screening was organized to screen women in Bauchi in order to ascertain their status and give free medical advice and counselling.

While speaking at the opening ceremony of the programme held at the Miri Primary Healthcare Center in the outskirts of Bauchi, the Bauchi State First Lady, Aisha Bala Mohammed described breast and Cervical Cancers as one of the leading causes of death among women globally.

Represented by Hassan Arkila, the First Lady said that the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed has been making frantic efforts in addressing the ugly scourge of breast and cervical cancer in the state by collaborating with health partners and stakeholders as well as keying into health programmes in that regard.

While commending the State Chapter of NAWOJ and PPFN for organizing the programme, Aisha Bala Mohammed called on stakeholders in the state to create more awareness on the disease so that more women can avail themselves for cancer screening. 

She pointed out that, it will go a long way to fight the scourge of the diseases as well as reduce the number of deaths as a result of the disease.

Speaking earlier, the State Chairperson of NAWOJ, Rashida Yusuf, said that women, particularly those residing in rural areas need to be educated on breast and Cervical Cancer as many of them are not aware of what the disease is all about.

She said that the programme was timely considering the fact that many women usually detect the disease when it is in an advance stage, making it difficult to manage because of the high cost of treatment.

“We brought this programme to the door steps of this community because we want more women to come out get themselves screened of breast and Cervical cancer.We believe early detection is key to saving lives” she said

Also speaking, the State Coordinator PPFN, Adamu Abdulkadir Degri  said that PPFN as an organization was established in the year 1962 to assist state governments in the area of Maternal, Child and Newborn health. 

He added that the organization in Bauchi state has conducted trainings for more than 20 Primary healthcare workers for effective and efficient healthcare service delivery.

In his speech, the District Head of Miri community, Mallam, Hussein Abubakar, stressed the need for women to be screened for Breast and Cervical Cancer at intervals to know their status. 

He said that the women should avail themselves the opportunity to be screened in order not to fall victim of the disease.

Many women trooped to the venue of the free screening with some of them referred to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) and the State Specialist hospital for further checks.