NAOWA Organizes Breast Cancer Awareness Programme; As NAOWA President Calls for Collaboration and Support Amongst Stakeholders

The President of the Nigerian Army Officers'Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja, has called for concerted efforts and collaboration amongst all relevant stakeholders in the fight against Breast Cancer. 

Mrs Lagbaja made the call during the 2023 NAOWA Breast Cancer Awareness Programme held on Monday 2 October 2023, organized  in commemoration of the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The 2023 edition which had the theme, “Thrive 365”, was organized to raise more awareness about Breast Cancer amongst women in the barracks, in line with the global traditions which set aside the month of October of every year to raise awareness on Breast Cancer.

In her remarks at event, the NAOWA President  noted that the awareness programme was organized to adequately sensitize members of NAOWA alongside representatives from DEPOWA, NOWA, NAFOWA and POWA, on the issue of Breast Cancer. Mrs Lagbaja then stressed the importance of healthy lifestyles, early detection and prevention, urging women to equip themselves with the requisite knowledge in preventing and combating the disease.

Addressing participants, the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH), the President of the Defence and Police Officers' Wives Association, Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa, noted that Breast Cancer is not a death sentence and that early detection can lead to successful treatment and a good quality of life.

Mrs Musa also encouraged women to regularly engage in self-examination of their breasts and report any changes to their healthcare provider without any delay, stressing that Regular mammograms for women who are over the age of 40 are also crucial in detecting breast cancer early.

Highlights of the program were a basic medical check up for all participants, provision of opportunity to have mammographic studies conducted throughout the month of October( Breast cancer month), and a health walk from the NAOWA Event Centre through Mambilla Barracks. Others include a presentation by Dr Temitope Oyinlola on Breast Cancer symptoms and prevention, a short video on self-breast examination and a short testimonial by a Breast Cancer Survivor, Mrs Titilola Odunuga. The event also witnessed the presentation of gift items to the SGOH and other dignitaries.