Army wives launch campaign against cervical, breast cancers in Plateau

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The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) has launched an awareness campaign against the deadly cervical and breast cancer diseases that have plagued the human population for decades.

Speaking during the launch at the 3 Division Nigerian Army Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, Plateau State, the Chairperson of NAOWA’s 3 Division chapter, Mrs. Fibishola Abubakar, stated that the awareness campaign against cervical and breast cancer was organized in line with the global demand to eliminate the spread of breast cancer among women through early detection and treatment.

She mentioned that the campaign’s aim was to raise awareness among military communities, including the wives of officers and soldiers.

“We will continue to roll out programs on early detection, prevention, and treatment to reduce the mortality rate among numerous infected persons, especially women who are vulnerable in our society.”

While appreciating the General Officer Commanding of 3 Division Nigeria Army and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN Jos, Major Gen. AE Abubakar, for his dedication to promoting the health and well-being of women, the chairperson of the association expressed their readiness to partner with relevant agencies in the fight against breast cancer.

Nurse Judith Onwunyirunwa, who spoke on cervical cancer and its treatment, emphasized that human papillomavirus can lead to cervical cancer due to lack of timely information and adequate treatment. She highlighted three preventive methods for cervical cancer, which include primary vaccination, secondary screening, treatment, and tertiary treatment and re-screening.

Midwife Amarachi Favour, who addressed breast cancer, revealed that in Nigeria, 22.7% of breast cancer cases are due to the lack of breast examinations. She suggested maintaining a healthy weight, physical activity, and other preventive measures.

Other medical experts, including Dr. Ekom, Major E. Effiong, and Dr. Okon Samuel Bassey, shared their thoughts, stating that liver cancer ranks second to prostate cancer in men and is often caused by excessive alcohol consumption. They cautioned citizens against using herbal medications, as they do not cure cancer but may lead to infection. They recommended a diet rich in fruits, reducing alcohol consumption, and limiting sun exposure to maintain good health.

The one-day cervical and breast cancer awareness campaign featured a health walk, cancer prevention education, medical screenings for prostate and liver cancer, and medical check-ups, including blood pressure, fasting sugar, and aerobic exercises.

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