The Chief Medical Director (CMD), 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, Brig.-Gen. Godwin Ogoh, has stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment on breast and cervical cancer to promote early detection and reduce cancer-related deaths.
Ogoh stated this on Wednesday when he received the Founder of Hassy’s Haven Foundation, Mrs Hussaina Yakubu, during a courtesy visit to the hospital in Kaduna.
He described cancer treatment as expensive and emotionally draining, noting that many cases could be successfully managed if detected early.
According to him, one of the most effective preventive measures against breast cancer is regular self-examination by women.
The CMD said women should be encouraged to routinely examine their breasts and surrounding areas, including the armpits, for unusual lumps or changes and seek medical attention promptly whenever abnormalities are noticed.
“Prevention is always better than cure. If women are taught how to examine themselves regularly and report any unusual findings early, it will go a long way in reducing late presentation of breast cancer cases,” he said.
Ogoh lamented that many patients in the country still present at hospitals when the disease has reached advanced stages, often after seeking alternative treatments or dismissing early symptoms.
He cited cases where patients delayed seeking proper medical care, leading to complications and reduced chances of successful treatment.
The CMD also emphasised the importance of cervical cancer screening through Pap smear tests, urging women, particularly those at risk, to take advantage of available screening services.
He expressed the hospital’s readiness to partner with Hassy’s Haven Foundation in organising community-based cancer screening and awareness programmes.
According to him, the hospital can provide professional support, including Pap smear screening, diagnostic services, interpretation of results and referrals for further management where necessary.
“We are always ready to support initiatives that promote prevention and early detection because the fewer people that come to the hospital with advanced cancer, the better for everyone.
“Cancer treatment can cost millions of naira and many families cannot afford it. Early detection remains the best option,” he said.
Ogoh also called on the media and civil society organisations to intensify awareness campaigns on cancer prevention and early diagnosis.
Earlier, the Founder of Hassy’s Haven Foundation, Mrs Hussaina Yakubu, said the organisation was established in memory of her late twin sister, Hassana, who battled cancer for eight years before her death.
Yakubu said the experience exposed the family to the physical, emotional, psychological and financial burden associated with cancer treatment.
She explained that the foundation was created to transform that painful experience into a platform for advocacy, awareness creation and support for cancer patients and other vulnerable groups.
According to her, the foundation focuses on cancer awareness, early detection, support for vulnerable cancer patients, widows, women and children, as well as advocacy for improved access to quality healthcare.
She said the organisation had carried out awareness campaigns and support visits to cancer patients at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna.
Yakubu said the visit was aimed at exploring areas of collaboration with the hospital in cancer prevention, awareness, screening, diagnosis and treatment support.
She disclosed that the foundation planned to organise community-based screening outreaches and sought the hospital’s partnership in providing cervical cancer screening through Pap smear tests, breast cancer screening and pathology services.
“We believe that through strategic partnerships such as this, we can intensify cancer awareness, encourage early detection, reduce preventable deaths and provide hope to those affected by cancer,” she said.
Yakubu expressed optimism that the collaboration would strengthen ongoing efforts to combat cancer and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations across Kaduna State. (NAN)
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