COWA, PTML Launches Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
By Asuquo Nuwak
COWA, PTML Launches Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
As part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the PTML Chapter of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) organised a sensitisation programme at the PTML command on Wednesday to educate women on the dangers of breast cancer and the need for regular health checks and early detection.
Declaring the event open, the Customs Area Controller of PTML command, Comptroller Joe Anani, who described the programme as a clarion call for women to take their health seriously through regular medical checkups, also urged them to learn from the campaign and apply the lessons in their daily lives.
Besides, Comptroller Joe Anani, commended COWA members for organizing a breast cancer awareness campaign with focus on prevention and early detection.
Comptroller Joe Anani, who described the initiative as essential and productive, also said the initiative addresses a health challenge that claimed more lives and reflects the COWA’s members commitment to the welfare of customs families.
Aside from this, comptroller Anani, said the exercise is expected to create awareness and testing gap in breast cancer prevention, as it is a serious issue which requires continuous education and vigilance.
He told women within customs community to embark on regular health checks and the awareness campaigns.
He promised that the command will continue to support the initiative by promoting family and community health.
The Customs Area Controller of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Comptroller Joy Edelduok, who was present at the ceremony commended the PTML command for the initiative, stressing the importance of frequent medical checkups to prevent late detection.
Comptroller Joy Edelduok is quoted as stating that: “A healthy wife is a valuable wife, and a valuable wife is the one who gives her husband peace”.
COWA PTML Chairperson, Mrs. Caroline Anani, who commended the National President of COWA, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, for her leadership and continued support to the women of the PTML Command, also said cancer remains a life-threatening disease that has affected millions globally, adding that early detection and preventive habits could significantly reduce its impact.
Mrs Caroline Ifeoluwa Anani is quoted as stating that: “Cancer can be prevented through a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, and reducing alcohol intake. Continuous awareness and open discussions about early detection with family and peers will help nip cancer in the bud”.
Furthermore, Mrs. Anani took the opportunity to advocate for policies to ensure that cancer treatment is accessible and affordable for all, promising that a free cancer screening exercise will be conducted for women of the PTML command throughout the month of October.
Mrs Anani, who expressed great displeasure over alarming statistics of breast cancer in Nigeria, also said that up to 80 percent of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, which eventually lead to high mortality rates due to poor awareness and late diagnosis.
Comptroller Victoria Bishen, the Zonal Nursing Officer, Zone ‘A’, Lagos, in her comment urged women in the chapter to support each other in the fight against breast cancer.
Comptroller Victoria Bishen, who said the disease is not contagious and should not cause any fear or stigma, also urged women to share information, embark on regular check-ups, and stand together in promoting health awareness.
Comptroller Victoria Bishen, who advised that breast self-examination should be done on monthly bases, also disclosed that timely diagnosis increases the chances of successful treatment, as well as chemotherapy for advanced cases.
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Comptroller Victoria Bishen, advised women to take care of their health and avoid delay in medical consultations when unusual changes is noticed.
She disclosed that through awareness, solidarity, and prompt medical action, more lives can be saved.
Mr Nelson Utuedoye, who represented the President of Queenly Hospital Heart Foundation, described knowledge as the the strongest prescription against the silent killer.
Mr Nelson Utuedoye, who noted that hidden diseases like cancer often develop quietly and can only be effectively managed when properly understood.
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