Breast Cancer: We must fight it out of state, country – Zamfara Gov’s wife

Hajiya Huriya Dauda Lawal, the wife of the Zamfara State Governor, has expressed her concerns about the alarming situation of breast cancer.

She emphasised the need for collective efforts to change the narrative regarding this deadly disease, aiming to combat it within the state and the country as a whole.

Hajiya Huriya made this declaration on Tuesday in Gusau during the launch of a breast cancer awareness campaign with the theme “Living Beyond Breast Cancer” in the state.

She stated, “This campaign against cancer and the creation of awareness for early detection are highly appropriate and timely. It is disheartening that medical records in our state indicate an alarming rise in breast and cervical cancer cases.”

She went on to highlight that in recent years, for every one hundred women screened in the state, approximately ten are found to have breast or cervical cancer. What is particularly concerning is that these diseases often go undetected until they reach an advanced and dangerous stage.

Hajiya Huriya stressed the importance of collective action in changing the narrative surrounding cancer. She vowed to work through her foundation and government resources to raise awareness among the people and fight against this disease not only in Zamfara but in Nigeria as a whole.

During the event, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Aisha Mohammed Anka, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Pharmacist Aliyu Maikiyo, highlighted that cancer is a significant health concern nationwide. The Ministry of Health in Zamfara has been actively educating and enlightening the public on the early detection of breast cancer, including providing free screening centers and investing in data research.

It was emphasized that breast cancer is a public health concern that affects both women and men. Medical consultants Dr. Bello Arkila and Dr. Wanzamai delivered lectures during the event, underscoring the importance of regular screenings for early detection. They emphasized that early detection does not equate to a death sentence; breast cancer can be effectively treated if identified early.

Dr Arkila also called on the state government to establish breast cancer screening centres equipped with mammography machines and to continue spreading awareness throughout the state.