Pecohub The Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF), Anambra State Chapter, has called on Nigerians to prioritise regular cancer screening, early detection and healthy lifestyles to reduce the burden of cancer in the country.
The call was made during a health awareness walk organised by the forum in Anambra State, as part of activities to commemorate the Cancer Awareness month.
The State leader of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Amaka Muojeke while addressing the press, noted that the cancer awareness walk was the initiative of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) National President, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya (SAN).
“As lawyers, we spend so much time attending to the problems of others, meeting deadlines, preparing cases, attending court and fulfilling our professional and family responsibilities. Unfortunately, in the process, we sometimes neglect our own health.
“Cancer does not discriminate between men and women, young and old, professionals and non-professionals. However, many cancers can be successfully treated, particularly when detected early. EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES,” she reitirated.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Awka Branch, Nnamdi Raphael Anagor, said the initiative was designed to encourage people to take responsibility for their health through regular medical checks and preventive measures.
Anagor explained that the forum’s activities began with health talks and lectures the previous Saturday, while the fitness walk was organised to extend the awareness campaign to the public.
“This is Cancer Awareness Month, and part of what we are doing here is to commemorate the week. We started long ago from last Saturday with talks and lectures, and today we are continuing with a health fitness walk for the same purpose,”he stated.
He urged men to pay particular attention to prostate health, noting that lifestyle choices, age and family history could influence their risk of developing prostate cancer.
“Men, particularly those from 40 years and above, should consult qualified health professionals for appropriate prostate cancer screening based on their age and individual risk factors,” he advised.
The NBA Women Forum Branch coordinators in Awka and Onitsha, Obianuju Nwakpadolu and Laurette Ikwuka Esq. respectively said that the awareness campaign was intended to encourage early detection and ensure that women understood the importance of preventive healthcare.
“Part of our activity at NBA Women Forum is to let us know the importance of getting ourselves checked early. Like they always say, early detection leads to early treatment
Like other professionals, we need to prioritise our health despite the demands of our work.”
They identified breast and cervical cancers as important health concerns for women and encouraged them to seek appropriate screening and medical advice.
“Women should learn to recognise unusual changes in their breasts and promptly report any concerns to healthcare professionals“.
Breast self-awareness could complement, but not replace, recommended clinical screening.
On cervical cancer prevention, screening, Pap smear testing, and vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes most cases of cervical cancer and very important steps.”
They advised women to consult healthcare professionals on appropriate screening schedules and HPV vaccination, noting that early intervention could help prevent or detect cervical cancer before it advances.
The NBA Women Forum facilitators called for greater government investment in affordable cancer screening and prevention services.
The NBA Women Forum’s initiative highlights the importance of sustained public education and accessible screening services for Nigerians.
