By; BASHIR BELLO DOLLARS, Kaduna.
Nigerians have been advised to always avail themselves for medical checkup especially breast cancer screening.
The advise was given by a cross section of women personalities during a one -day cancer awareness workshop organised by Fifth Chukker Polo and Country Club in collaboration with Pink Hope and First Bank, held at Fifith Chukker Resorts, Maraban Jos, Kaduna.
Speaking at the workshop, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State who was represented by the Permanent Secretary at the state ministry of health, Dr. Aisha Abubakar Sadiq and the wife of Kaduna State Governor, Hajiya Hafsat Uba Sani who was represented by the Kaduna State Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu called on women to as a matter of urgency, always go for medical screening in order to ascertain if they are likely going to have breast cancer.
They however, noted that the disease is not a death sentence as some people believe and if detected early it can be treated.
Speaking on the plans of the wife of Kaduna State Governor to commence a breast screening exercise, the commissioner explained that 100 women have been penciled for the screening which will be held at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital Kaduna.
In her remarks, the wife of Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Huriya Dauda Lawal reaffirmed the commitment of the wives of northern state Governors to intensify awareness on breast and cervical cancer inorder to prevent she disease from killing mose people. She also commended fifth chukker and pink hope for bringing hope to Nigerians.
The representatives of Fifth chukker resort Mrs. Blessings Ekwensi and her First Bank Counterpart pledged to continue to support all activities geared towards creating awareness on cancer as well as assisting especially the less privileged in the areas of cancer screening noting that r conducive environment had been created over the years for awareness on breast cancer.
Similarly, a medical doctor, Dr. Fatima and a cancer survivor, Mrs Phoebe Sukai who is the administrator of Kafanchan Metropolitan Administration emphasized the importance of self breast examination as well as living a healthy lifestyle by eating quality food and vegetables as a means of preventing the disease.
Highlight of the event was free cancer screening and cutting of cake in solidarity with cancer patients.
The World Health Organization WHO had set aside October every year, in order to create awareness on breast cancer.
