Experts advocate regular checks to combat breast, cervical cancer

Experts have stressed the importance of regular health checks to combat breast and cervical cancer, two of the most common cancers affecting women globally, particularly in Nigeria

The experts spoke on Saturday, during a cancer awareness campaign and screening event held at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja.

The event was organized by the Federal Government College Kaduna Old Students Association (FGCKADOSA), Abuja chapter, in collaboration with the Cancer Consciousness Initiative (CCI) and Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Chapter, Bola Abduroshakin, explained that the initiative focuses on improving health care, expanding research collaborations, and providing free mammograms, breast cancer screenings, pap smears, PSA tests, and other services.

Abduroshakin said: “It is as important as life because when you are not healthy, you are as good as dead.

“It is very important for us to have that health consciousness, especially in this season of cancer awareness, to educate our friends, families, and ourselves on the need to be conscious of our health conditions as related to cancer prevention. We shouldn’t leave all of this to the government; we first have to take care of ourselves.”

He expressed hope that the initiative would extend to other chapters with support from the global chapter, adding that, “I believe they will support me in spreading it to all our chapters. We have chapters in all 36 states of this nation, and we’re also present internationally in North America, the UK, and Canada.

“Previously, we introduced a health insurance initiative for all alumni of Federal Government College Kaduna. Around a hundred of our members are enjoying free medical coverage, fully funded by alumni contributions.”

In his keynote speech, President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Dr. Adamu Alhassan Umar, said cancer is a significant challenge in Nigeria that needs to be addressed.

Umar who was represented by Dr. Ayuba Hannatu Usman, urged Nigerians to be aware of cancer but clarified that it is not the death sentence many perceive it to be.

Usman emphasized that early detection through routine screenings can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality rates for these cancers, which are among the most common affecting women globally.

Also speaking, Dr. Kwapmi Nicolas, Senior Registrar of Histopathology at National Hospital Abuja, spoke on cervical cancer screening, noting that all sexually active women are at risk of cervical cancer.

He identified the risk factors as early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners or high-risk partners, lack of regular screenings, under-screening in areas with established cervical screening programs, a male partner with multiple sexual partners, and exposure to oral contraceptives, among others.

According to him, in its early stages, cervical cancer is often asymptomatic and might only be diagnosed following routine screenings, pelvic examinations, or symptoms like foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

The Medical Director of FMC, Dr. Sa’ad Ahmad, expressed appreciation to the association for lending a helping hand to cancer patients.

Early detection, he said, is crucial in overcoming the challenges of limited resources in cancer treatment.