By Umar Sani
The wife of the Speaker Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hafsat Abubakar has offered free medical outreach to over two hundred breast cancer patients in Ningi local government of the state.
In a special occasion to commemorate 2024 world cancer day on Saturday, Hafsat disclosed that the Ningi Breast Cancer Awareness Walk & Medical Outreach being the first edition was to support women development, especially in the areas of health awareness, empowerment, and education.
She noted that “Breast cancer remains the second most commonly diagnosed cancer globally and the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. In Nigeria, breast cancer accounts for 22.7% of all cancer cases, according to the World Health Organization.
“The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) predicts that 1 in 12 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The only way to reduce early death from breast cancer is through early detection via self-checks and medical checkups. I pray and hope this event will promote more awareness among our women.”
Hafsat expressed confidence that “More women across Bauchi will have the opportunity to gain more awareness through my sisters, the wives of the honorable members, and hopefully, our husbands will one day sponsor a bill for free mammograms for women aged 40 and above.”
Also speaking at the sideline of the outreach, the Head of Clinicals, National Obstetric Fistula Centre Ningi, who provided services in collaboration with Nabalago foundation, Ogbera Edward explained that the medical outreach was in celebration of the breast cancer awareness day.
The physician maintained that “It is a program being sponsored by Nabalago foundation to provide more than two hundred women breast cancer awareness and screening.
“You know you don’t only make screening without provision for treatment. The wife of the speaker has made an arrangement for whoever is being screened and diagnose to go for subsequent level of intervention.”
“Fund is being made in reservations for those categories of people to undergo mammography, breast screening, or other intervention in term of therapy which will require referral.”
On her part, the wife of Bauchi State Governor, Aishatu Bala who was at the event, urged women across Bauchi State to prioritize personal and environmental hygiene to prevent the spread of diseases.
She encouraged them to adopt a balanced diet to reduce the risk of cancer and other illnesses.
Aishatu highlighted the link between the high prevalence of malaria in the state and inadequate environmental hygiene.
She further advised women to seek prompt medical care upon noticing any symptoms of illness, underscoring the importance of early intervention.
Our correspondent reported that, highlights of the occasion includes health talks, free medical consultation, basic medical examination, treatments, and free drugs.
The event, themed “No One Should Face Cancer Alone,” aimed to educate women about breast cancer and provide access to medical support.
