Group Sensitizes Women On Breast Cancer In Anambra

                   

As the world marks breast cancer month this October, a Non-Governmental Organization, Soroptimist International has staged a road-walk round some streets in Awka to enlighten people especially women on the existence of the disease.

The road-walk which took place mainly around Nkwo Amaenyi axis to Capital City Secondary School was rounded off with free breast cancer screening for market women and other women who showed interest during the exercise.

 Dr Mrs Kosisochukwu Ezenwa, who conducted the screening exercise, said the disease could be treated if detected early, stating that it was the most common cancer in women worldwide. She regretted that most women still refer to the disease as a ''white man's disease'' saying that the disease could be found everywhere including Nigeria.

According to her ''the truth is that it is very much around in our environment, so that is the reason why we decided to start this awareness in this October that is a month of breast cancer internationally''.

 The medical Expert further noted that treatment and management of the disease depend on the stage at which a patient present herself to the hospital, and urged women to cultivate the habit of regular medical checks for early detection. ''Women should examine their breasts every month, if they notice any lump in their breast they should rush to the nearest health facility for further screening'' she added.

 In her contribution, the President of Soroptimist International, Awka Chapter, Mrs. Patricia Maduabum, said they staged the road-walk to enlighten women especially those still ignorant about the disease that it is around. She described the disease as the leading type of cancer in women worldwide, and urged women to take advantage of the sensitization rally to better their health and people around them.

 Mrs Maduabum said the association has plans to make the exercise a regular exercise as its contribution to humanity particularly the womenfolk. Lady  Uju Enemuo,a lecturer, described the event as apt and timely especially for those that doubt the existence of the disease, stating that it was part of the association's gestures to addressing the challenges women face in the  society.

She said ''the motivation comes from the fact that the association actually takes care of women and their challenges and we are using this platform as a good way to reach them'' Other people who spoke during the rally including Mrs Florence Orizu and Lady Adaeze Adilue, expressed gratitude to the association for embarking on the programme.