The month of October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and dedicated to advancing education and spreading deeper awareness on breast cancer and its threats and prevention. Beyond the periodic commemoration, it is equally important to acknowledge the real threat that breast cancer presents to the present generation .
The wife of the Anambra State Governor and founder of Healthy Living Initiative Dr Nonye Soludo recently called for sustained enlightenment and sensitization on burden of breast cancer in the society..
According to Dr Soludo, it is imperative for people to dedicate more time to breast cancer education and advocacy, noting that from available statistics, the desired results have not been achieved in breast cancer mitigation, adding that each woman lost to the deadly monster points to the urgency of the task before the society .
She explained that eliminating breast cancer is a collective responsibility but reminded women of reproductive age that early detection is key to defeating the disease, urging them to go for breast cancer screening to save lives, while restating that living a healthy lifestyle significantly reduces cancer risk.
According to available statistics, Breast cancer is the most common cancer across the world with prevalence of about two point three million new cases annually. Breast Cancer represents one in eight cancer cases in both men and women and affects younger population significantly contributing to increase in maternal mortality.
According to health experts, there is need to create awareness about breast cancer and ensure early detection, timely diagnosis, comprehensive treatment and assisting those affected in one way or another.
There is equally need to join Dr Soludo in promoting advocacy, sensitization and awareness campaign that would help engender the desired behavourial change and encourage women to go for breast cancer screening and early diagnosis.
Stakeholders should provide platforms for dissemination of breast cancer information to further enhance knowledge sharing, collaborations and partnerships needed to strengthen breast cancer control.
Privileged individuals, organizations and indeed everybody should be encouraged to provide medical, emotional, psychological, and social support to those already affected.
It is important to stress here that people with breast cancer, if properly diagnosed early and managed effectively, can live their full life span.
According recent studies, lifestyle has a significant influence on physical and mental health of human being and reforming unhealthy life style is necessary in preventing health challenges. That is why Ndi Anambra and indeed Nigerians should embrace Dr Nonye Soludo’s Healthy Living Initiative.
