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EXPERTS URGE WOMEN TO GO FOR BREAST CANCER SCREENING

By GABRIEL OKECHUKWU, PORT HARCOURT

Women of Niger Delta Extraction have been enjoined to engage in regular check on their breasts for early detection and prevention of Breast Cancer. 

The acting managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Emmanuel Audu-Ahwavborua who made the call during a breast cancer awareness seminar at NDDC headquarters Port Harcourt, encouraged women of forty years and above to do annual mammogram on their breasts at available cancer center at no cost. 

Dr. Uzonwanne

The Acting MD who was represented by a director in Health and Social Services, NDDC, Dr George Uzonwanne maintained that the commission has a tradition of annual medical examination for all staff. 

“Breast cancer awareness is very important, it saves lives, and we do know people that were identified at stage three of breast cancer because they went for annual medical checkup.”

“These programmes are part of what we intend to intervene in once we have our budget”

“I do believe that we will go into the communities and assist in whatever way we can.”

“The message to Niger Delta women is, Breast cancer is real, but it is no longer a death sentence.”

Professor Rosemary Ogu

 Speaking on the theme, Lifestyle Modification for prevention of Breast cancer, the Head, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Professor Rosemary Ogu, told women that there is nothing to fear about breast cancer because it is curable with early detection. 

She said that there is need to check breast regularly and apply precautionary measures.

Professor Ogu, who revealed that cancer issues emanate primarily from the gene as well as environment, prescribed healthy lifestyle as an antidote. 

The Consultant obstetrician while advocating monthly self-breast examination advised women to marry early and have their children before they attain 28 years old. 

She equally emphasized the importance of breastfeeding of babies and maintenance of good emotional balance.

“One out of eight women will have breast cancer in their lifetime. On the average, every two minutes, one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.”

“Around the world, one woman dies of breast cancer every 13 minutes. Forty Nigerian women die daily from breast cancer.”

“Everyone is involved in the awareness and prevention campaign because Breast Cancer occurs in both male and female gender.”

The Head, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital described smoking as a red flag that should be avoided while alcohol needs to be taken in moderation.

participants

The Gynecologist appealed to government and well-meaning Nigerians to assist women battling breast cancer. 

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