Cervical, Breast cancer not a death sentence- Kogi CISCANEN Coordinator
A non profit organization working on the eradication of Cervical and Breast cancer, Civil Society for Cancer Eradication in Nigeria, (CISCANEN), has said that with early detection, Cervical and Breast Cancer can be properly managed and treated.
Speaking during an awareness campaign at the popular Ganaja roundabout in Lokoja on Tuesday, the Kogi State coordinator for Cancer Eradication in Nigeria, Comrade Ben Joshua, maintained that the disease is not a death sentence but curable if detected early.
“Our main aim of coming out to today is to observe the global day for the eradication of Cancer in Nigeria. Every month of October each year, is set aside to sensitize and create awareness about breast cancer. Because we have discovered that one of the fastest killer disease particularly in women is breast cancer.
“Our duty as civil society organizations on Cancer Eradication, is to go out every October like this, to sensitize the general public on how they can prevent breast cancer or detect early warning signs. We also assist them with facilities for free testing treatment.
“We also discovered that one of the challenges faced by the people is knowledge gap. There is lack of awareness. They must alao be educated to know that breast cancer is not a death sentence. It can be cured with early detection
The Executive Director Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development ( PIBCID), Rachael Remilekun Akande, noted that the group is targeting over one thousand five hundred women in the awareness campaign, while 100 women will be tested and receive treatment for breast cancer.
Akande who is also the state coordinator of Network against trafficking in persons, said the campaign is to let the women know that, they can check themselves for any signs of breast cancer without necessarily going to the hospital.
She noted that several women are dying silently, because they lack awareness, adding that breast cancer is curable if it is detected early.
“We are targeting to reach over one thousand five hundred women in the awareness campaign in Kogi. We are alao providing testing and treatment for breast cancer for free. As women led organizations, we are here to assist the women in early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Akande stressed
The director Child, Olaniyan in the Ministry of Women Affairs, promised that her ministry will continue to work with relevant civil society organizations in the eradication of Cervical and Breast Cancer in Nigeria.
She commended CISCANEN for championing and prioritizing the health needs and wellbeing of women in Nigeria and Kogi State in particular.
Speaking also, Zainab Baba Umar, Clinic officer, Plan Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, (PPFN) in Kogi state, noted that their health facility will be providing testing and treatment for the first 100 women for Cervical and Breast Cancer.
