The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, has expressed her commitment to making breast cancer screening and diagnosis more affordable and accessible to women across the state.
Mrs Otti said she would work with relevant organisations and health professionals to establish functional breast cancer diagnostic centres where women could receive early screening and proper medical attention.
She made this known during a breast cancer awareness campaign organised by the Safe Tent Care Initiative in partnership with the state Ministries of Health and Women Affairs.
The campaign highlighted the need for professional support, strong commitment and partnerships to make breast cancer screening and diagnosis more accessible to women.
The Governor’s wife advised women to take medical advice seriously, pay attention to changes in their bodies and seek medical help whenever they notice anything unusual. She also encouraged them to follow the screening advice given by qualified health professionals.
Mrs Otti thanked the Ministry of Health, medical professionals, volunteers and other partners for supporting the Safe Tent Care Initiative and making the awareness campaign possible.
She noted that although not all cancers could be prevented, proper awareness, early detection and timely treatment could reduce suffering and give patients a better chance of survival.
She expressed hope that the initiative would lead to improved access to early diagnosis and treatment for women across Abia State.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonna Uche, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Ify Blossom Uma Kalu, said breast cancer should not be seen as an automatic death sentence because early detection and proper treatment could help save lives.
He identified late hospital visits, fear, shame, lack of money and limited access to medical facilities as some of the major reasons many people lose their lives to the disease.
He encouraged women to watch out for unusual changes in their breasts, such as lumps, discharge from the nipples and changes in breast shape. He advised anyone who noticed such signs to seek medical attention without delay.
He also urged women to consult qualified health professionals for proper advice on breast cancer screening.
The Commissioner further explained that breast cancer does not affect women alone, as men can also develop the disease. He therefore advised men to pay attention to unusual changes in their breast tissue and seek medical help when necessary.
He called on individuals, organisations and communities to work together to ensure that people affected by breast cancer receive proper medical care, encouragement and support.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Maureen Aghukwa, called for collective efforts to fight the stigma and wrong information surrounding cancer.
She said people living with cancer deserve proper care, love, understanding and support throughout their treatment.
Dr Aghukwa also praised cancer survivors for their courage and determination, while appreciating caregivers for their sacrifices and commitment to supporting those battling the disease.
She stressed that every life is important and urged individuals and communities to join the fight against cancer.
Highlights of the event included an awareness walk through major streets in Umuahia, led by the Governor’s wife, health talks, goodwill messages and a testimony by a cancer survivor, Mrs Ruth Diogo.
The event also featured a goodwill message from the Chief Medical Director of Abia Specialist and Diagnostic Centre, Dr Chimezie Okwuonu.
