NAOWA takes breast cancer awareness to Sokoto communities

The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 8 Division of Nigerian Army Sokoto chapter, has  embarked on community awareness on the dangers of breast cancer, access to treatment and others associated remedies.

The chapter’s Chairperson, Mrs Florence Mutkut, inaugurated the campaign at the Giginya Barrack on Sunday in Sokoto.

Mutkut, who was represented by the wife of 8 Division Garrison Commander, Mrs Ann Tawasimi, said the campaign was organized in line with the objectives of NAOWA under the leadership of its National President, Mrs Mariya Lagbaja.

She said the exercise was aimed at raising awareness on the dangers of breast cancer in Nigerian communities.

She added that the exercise was also to  commemorate the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Day against breast cancer which is usually celebrated every October 19 annually.

Mutkut stressed the importance of regular self-examination and timely mammograms as ways for early detection and increasing the success rates of treatment.

The NAOWA chairperson also focused on disseminating information about risk factors, symptoms, screening methods and treatment options.

She thanked the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut and the Global Breast Cancer Awareness Initiative for support toward promoting education on early detection and other support systems.

Different speakers delivered lectures on breast cancer, which they described as not a death sentence and can be prevented through appropriate treatment, which hinges on early disease detection.

They recommended vaccination, self-breast examination especially people above 40 years, exercise and a balanced diet, as some of the measures to reduce the prevalence of breast cancer.