A non- governmental organisation in Ogun state, Wellness Africa Foundation (WAF) has described breast cancer as the leading cause of death in Nigeria among other cancers.
The foundation made the remark during its sensitisation programme for scores of female pupils and teachers in secondary schools in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital yesterday.
The Programme Director of the Foundation, Dr. Omotola Akinmolayan
during the programme noted that cancer has become one of the world’s leading causes of death.
Against the backdrop of this narrative, Akinmolayan who engaged the participants on healthy breast, breast cancer, the burden and risk factors of breast cancer, said regular screening is important for early detection of such abnormality.
The medical expert equally encouraged women to carry out self breast examination five days after menses every month.
WAF however disclosed plans to visit more secondary schools in Abeokuta between 19th and 26th of October to further educate students on breast cancer in commemoration of the Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Her words “Cancer has become one of the world’s leading causes of death. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that globally, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020.
“Amongst the other cancers, breast cancer is taking the lead in the cause of death in Nigeria,” she added.
“It is important to be knowledgeable about healthy breasts. A healthy breast should have smooth skin, no discoloration and no dimpling.
“Regular Screening is important for early detection of any abnormality(ies). Screening method includes: Self Breast Examination. This should be done about five days after menses and encouraged to be done at about the same time, monthly.
She added “We will go to Lisabi Grammar School on the 19th and Patterson Memorial Baptist Grammar School on the 26th. We visited Abeokuta Grammar School, Idi-Aba on Wednesday, 12th.
“In 2021, with the financial support of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, WAF reached out to 3 secondary schools: Reverend Kuti Grammar School Isabo; Africa Church Grammar School Ita Eko; Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School Obantoko) in Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North and Odeda Local Government Areas, to speak to over 2000 students (male and female).”
