NAFOWA Commemorates 2023 Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) on Saturday organized a comprehensive health talk, walk, and free cancer screening event.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force
confirmed this in a statement.
The exercise was to raise awareness about the alarming prevalence of breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
With the theme “Routine Checkup, a Panacea for Early Detection,” the event aimed to raise awareness about the devastating impact of breast cancer on women’s lives.
NAFOWA national president, Rakiya Abubakar revealed sobering statistics from the World Health Organization, indicating that Nigeria witnessed approximately 78,899 cancer-related deaths in 2020 alone, with breast and cervical cancers accounting for over 40% of these fatalities.
Mrs. Abubakar emphasized the importance of early detection in improving cancer patient survival rates during her speech.
She said that when cancer is identified in its early stages, patients have a much better chance of surviving.
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She noted that NAFOWA was committed to raising awareness and encouraging routine exams across barracks and communities.
Mrs. Abubakar also said that from October 9th to 17th, 2023, free cancer tests for Air Force personnel’s spouses and a 50% discount for others would be accessible at the NAFOWA Cancer Screening Centre, located at NAF Base, Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja.
Former Minister of Women Affairs, who was a Special Guest of Honour at the event, Dame Pauline Tallen, lauded NAFOWA’s efforts in organizing the Breast Cancer Awareness Lecture and Walk.
She emphasized the importance of periodic medical exams in cancer detection, as well as other disorders that disproportionately afflict women.
NAFOWA has always advocated for the rights of women, youth, and children.
Since its inception in 2008, the NAFOWA Cancer Screening Centre has played a critical role in the early detection of breast cancer.
The ceremony served as a heartbreaking reminder of the need to improve breast cancer awareness and the need for early screenings, ultimately saving lives in Nigeria.
