By Ogar Monday
Stakeholders have identified increased funding for breast cancer detection as a means to reduce its devastating effect on society.
The position was taken at a walk to commemorate the 2022 Breast Cancer Awareness Week in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Linda Ayade, the wife to Senator Ben Ayade, the Cross River State Governor, said breast cancer is one of the fatal diseases that records the highest deaths in the world, with one in eight women standing the risk of death if not detected early.
Dr. Linda, represented by Dr. Janet Archibong, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, said; “the growing risk of breast cancer in the country and the state in particular calls for new approaches including an advocate for more resources to fund cancer treatments.”
She continued; “the urgent rise in breast cancer especially among the younger generation calls for prompt attention to halt the uneven spread and genetically transmittable cells which place the human race at risk.”
On her part, the Convener of the Calabar Breast Cancer Awareness Walk and Founder of Pink Africa Foundation, Dr. Nchewi Ani, pushed for more funding and the setting up of cancer screening points in major health facilities in the state, adding that early detection still remains the best approach in dealing with the ailments.
Ms. Brenda Effiom, a representative of Lafarge, a sponsor of the event, said Lafarge will continue to partner with organizations working with communities and to support the communities through health interventions that will promote early detection of breast cancer.
Partners for the walk included Asi Ukpo Hospital, Nigeria Medical Association, Brencare Foundation, Calabar mums, VIFADAD, and the Amazon tribe, amongst others.
Highlights of the event were testimonies from survivors, financial support for the treatment of a breast cancer patient, and a pledge to continue to be an advocate to help halt breast cancer. They were also free breast cancer screening, a practical demonstration of the best self-examination procedures for both men and women, referrals for Breast cancer, and a proper hand-washing demonstration.
The march started at Millennium Park, went through Mary Slessor Avenue, on to Ndidem Usand-Iso (Marian Road) and terminated at the open field at the Calabar Municipal Local Government Council premises.
