JALINGO, Nigeria (FN) — Medical experts and health advocates have urged Nigerian women to prioritize regular breast and cervical cancer screenings as part of a nationwide push to reduce mortality rates linked to the diseases.
The call was made Thursday in Jalingo during the launch of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign, organized by the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Taraba State Chapter, in partnership with the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
The campaign, themed “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” aims to educate women across Taraba State on the importance of early detection, routine screening, and access to care.
“This programme is proof of the strength of partnership and our shared mission to provide compassionate care and support for women,” said Dr. Echuseh Audu, president of MWAN Taraba. “We aim to engage top health professionals to enlighten women on the importance of screening, early diagnosis, and preventive measures.”
Audu emphasized that women aged 50 and above should make cancer screening a regular part of their health routine, noting that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Amahdy Gagwi Tarfa, a representative of the NEDC, praised MWAN’s commitment to women’s health and pledged the Commission’s continued support for initiatives that improve lives across the North East.
Dr. Aisha Adamu, Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo, described the campaign as a landmark effort in the state’s health sector. “Pooling our resources and sensitizing communities about the dangers of late diagnosis is key to reducing the burden of breast and cervical cancer in Nigeria,” she said.
Participants received expert-led education sessions on cancer care. Dr. Maryam Musa Haruna delivered a talk on “Understanding Breast Cancer: Signs, Prevention, and Early Detection,” while Dr. Rakiya Jibril addressed “Cervical Cancer Awareness: The Role of Vaccination and Screening.”
The event also featured goodwill messages from dignitaries and emotional testimonies from cancer survivors who shared their journeys of resilience and recovery.
Organizers said the campaign will continue across communities in Taraba, offering free screenings and vital information to women at all levels.
Health officials say breast and cervical cancer remain leading causes of death among Nigerian women, but early detection and sustained awareness efforts could dramatically reduce the toll.
