Not fewer than 300 women in Bauchi have been offered free screening for breast cancer to detect their status.
The screening was an effort to create more awareness about the scourge of breast cancer among women of reproductive age and give patients hope of survival because the disease is not a death sentence.
The exercise was conducted by a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Bauchi State known as the Alheri YS and ALFO Foundations, with support from the BIK Foundation.
The Coalition also organised a 5-kilometre walk within Bauchi metropolis and provided free breast cancer screening exercises to over 300 women in the state.
The grand walk was held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, amidst fanfare, pageantry, and lots of side attractions. It saw thousands of volunteers commence the walk from the Dogon Yaro roundabout, through Ahmadu Bello Way, Wunti Market, Kobi and Nassarawa Streets, and Yakubun Bauchi Road, and eventually terminate at the government house.
While giving a short health talk at the meeting point before embarking on the 5-kilometre walk, a consultant oncologist with the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Dr Adamu Ningi, said that breast cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths among women and that early detection remains one of the most effective ways to mitigate the scourge in the community.
Adamu Ningi urged women of reproductive age to carry out intermittent breast screening in hospitals and also self-examine for any signs of lumps in their breasts.
The consultant then revealed that with advancements in technology and early detection, breast cancer can be cured, and patients can live and achieve their full potential in life.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Aisha Adam Bappa Life Foundation (ALFO), Aisha Adam Bappa, thanked volunteers for accepting the invitation to participate in the awareness campaign, which she described as “service to humanity.”
Aisha Bappa said that accepting the invitation to participate in the event has given credence to the volunteers’ commitment and contributions to the fight against breast cancer.
The CEO of ALFO then appealed to other humanitarian organisations to partner with the Two Foundations in sustaining such awareness campaigns beyond just an annual event.
Also speaking on the sidelines, the Executive Director of Alheri YS Foundation, Alheri Sarauta, said that the walk was an annual event aimed at raising awareness of breast cancer and promoting early detection, especially among women of reproductive age.
The ED lamented that breast cancer affects millions of women around the world and also proffered that early detection plays an important role in improving survival rates.
She said that for two years now, the Alheri YS Foundation and ALFO have been on the vanguard in carrying out such awareness campaigns, with support from the Barrister Ibrahim Kashim (BIK) Foundation.
In a goodwill message, Secretary to Bauchi State Government (SSG), Barr. Ibrahim Kashim commended the CSOs and volunteers for the impressive awareness campaign.
The SSG said that the government has a strong commitment to partner with groups and non-governmental organisations to create awareness about the dangers associated with the disease.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with our correspondent appreciated the efforts of the two CSOs and their supporters for providing the free screening exercise.
Power bikers, BMX cyclists, horse riders, roller skaters, NYSC/other live bands, and mobile DJs added colour to the 2023 Bauchi State breast cancer awareness grand walk.
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