NEDC, MWAN offer free breast, cervical cancer screening to 1000 adolescent girls, women in Alkaleri

By Hassan Ibrahim

No fever than 1000 women of child bearing age and Adolescent girls were screened for breast and cervical cancers in Alkaleri local government area of Bauchi State 

The exercise was conducted by Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Bauchi State Chapter with sponsorship from the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), in its social responsibility drive held at the General Hospital, Alkaleri in Bauchi State.

Speaking during the free outreach, Chairperson of MWAN Dr Umma-Hanni Ja’afar, emphasized the importance of community-level sensitization, advocacy visits, and awareness campaigns aimed at educating women and adolescent girls about the diseases that affect them.

She explained that breast and cervical cancers as major leading causes of illness and death among women globally and in Nigeria, adding, "Many women, especially in rural areas, are unaware of these diseases or their consequences. We must go into the communities to educate, enlighten, and help them understand that these cancers exist, and can be prevented."

"What we aim for is high vaccination coverage, strong screening uptake, and effective treatment services. These steps can significantly reduce new cases and eventually eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat," she said.

She emphasised early detection and taught participants how to perform breast self-examinations while urging regular Pap smear or VIA screenings, "Early detection saves lives. If cancer is diagnosed early, it can be cured. But when we delay, our options become limited."

She advised women to examine their breasts monthly, preferably after their menstrual cycle, and report immediately if they notice lumps, skin dimpling, redness, nipple discharge, or changes in breast shape.

In his remarks on behalf of NEDC, Mohammed Amir Ali, the Health Desk Officer in the Bauchi office, said the Commission embarked on the screening due to rising cancer cases across the region.

Ali reaffirmed NEDC's commitments to improving healthcare and women's well-being in the North East, "Breast and cervical cancers are preventable and curable, especially when detected early. Our aim is to close the gap in access to screening and ensure every woman has the opportunity to safeguard her health.”