EditorONDO State First Lady, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has urged women to prioritise regular self-examination of their breasts to check for unusual signs which could lead to cancer, a debilitating disease ravaging people in modern time.
Mrs Akeredolu-Anyanwu gave the admonition on Saturday at Baylesa State while inaugurating the State chapter of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN).
She advised women to check their breasts at least once a month for unusual signs like discolouration, discharge from the nipples or painless lump around the breast, noting that such timely and appropriate measure is key to preventing the disease.
Mrs Akeredolu-Anyanwu who founded BRECAN in 1997 after her personal encounter with breast cancer, said many women are now surviving the disease especially when it is detected early through self-examination.
She said, “We can’t get tired talking about what Women should do every month, which is checking your breasts. It won’t take you more than 15 minutes, and you do that regularly every month.”
While expressing her delight in coming to Bayelsa to inaugurate the association, she charged the new executives of the state chapter to take up responsibility of creating awareness about the disease which according to her, “is the entry point in any cancer control, and it leads to action,” stressing that no woman should die needlessly as early detection saves a life.
She has spent the past 25 years passionately leading breast cancer awareness campaign to help combat the disease.
On her part, the Bayelsa State First Lady, Dr Gloria Douye Diri, said that Mrs Akeredolu-Anyanwu’s leading role in the fight against breast cancer, has ignited her passion in the campaign, hence her support for BRECAN.
Dr Diri promised to collaborate with BRECAN to drive the campaign in Bayelsa State and make more women aware of the disease and how to prevent it.
She called on the chairperson of Bayelsa State Chapter, Mrs Zipuamere Felicia Afenfia, to work hard in achieving the association’s set goals in the state.
She said, “Awareness is vital in the fight against breast cancer as deaths of loved ones to cancer brings so much pain. However, be assured of my readiness to support the fight.
“I welcome every member of BRECAN to this State. You have our deepest appreciation for choosing to establish a branch of BRECAN in Bayelsa State. One significant appreciation is that today, our women found time to work out again. I appreciate every Bayelsans that joined the walk to kick out cancer from Bayelsa State. I celebrate you all,” Bayelsa First Lady stated.
The event also witnessed maiden edition of the State “Jog for Life,” a programme aimed at creating awareness about the importance of physical exercise.
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