CSOs provides free breast cancer screening for over 300 women in Bauchi

Samuel Luka

More than three hundred women in Bauchi state have benefitted from free breast cancer screening, courtesy of a coalition of civil society organizations over the weekend.

Known as Alheri YS and Aisha Adam Bappa Life Foundation (ALFO) with support from BIK Foundation, the CSOs said that the gesture was meant to create more awareness on the scourge of breast cancer amongst women of reproductive age and provide hope of survival to the patients.

The Civil Society Organizations in company of hundreds of volunteers also embarked on a 5-kilometers walk within Bauchi metropolis for the awareness creation along major streets.

Speaking before the street walk, a consultant oncologist with the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Dr. Adamu Ningi described breast cancer as one of the leading cause of deaths amongst women.

According to the Doctor, early detection of breast cancer remains one of the most effective ways of mitigating the scourge among women of reproductive age.

He urged the women to always carry out intermittent breast screening in hospitals and also self examination for any signs of lumps in their breast.

The Consultant then revealed that with advancement in technology and early detection, breast cancer can be cured and patients can live and achieve their full potentials in life.

Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aisha Adam Bappa Life Foundation (ALFO), Aisha Adam Bappa appreciated the volunteers for accepting the invitation to participate in the awareness campaign.

Bappa who said that the acceptance of the volunteers is part of service to humanity, noted that accepting the invitation to participate in the event has given credence to their commitment and contributions to the fight against breast cancer.

She appealed to other humanitarian organizations to partner with the Two Foundations in sustaining such awareness campaign beyond just an annual event.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Alheri YS Foundation, Alheri Sarauta said that the walk was an annual event aimed at raising awareness on breast cancer and promoting early detection especially amongst women of reproductive age.

While stressing that breast cancer affects millions of women around the world, Alheri noted that early detection plays an important role in improving survival chances.

In a goodwill message, secretary to Bauchi state government (SSG), Barr. Ibrahim Kashim Commended the CSOs and volunteers for the impressive awareness campaign.

He expressed the commitment of the present administration in the state to partner with groups and non-governmental organisations to create awareness on the dangers of breast cancer.

Beneficiaries who spoke to newsmen, thanked the CSOs for providing the free screening opportunity.