Cancer: MWAN screens 100 women, detects 25 suspected cases in Borno
The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) has raised concern over rising cancer risks among women in Borno State. In a recent screening exercise in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, MWAN said 25 out of 100 women screened for breast and cervical cancer have been diagnosed with suspected cases in the State. The exercise, supported by […]
The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) has raised concern over rising cancer risks among women in Borno State.
In a recent screening exercise in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, MWAN said 25 out of 100 women screened for breast and cervical cancer have been diagnosed with suspected cases in the State.
The exercise, supported by the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), is the first large-scale screening drive carried out by the association in the state.
“Our target is more than 100 women, but of the 70 plus women we screened so far, we recorded 25 suspected cases: 15 breast cancer; 10 cervical cancer; and 1 confirmed cervical cancer case,” said Dr. Aisha Kyeri.
The president of the MWAN, Dr Anna Peter, said the finding requires an urgent need for wider awareness and regular screening among women.
Peter expressed concern over late presentation of cancer cases, urging women to conduct monthly breast self-examination and undergo regular Pap- smear tests for better health outcomes.
She noted that early detection of the lumps will enable patients to have prompt care and treatment before cancer develops or even spreads.
Peter also urged women to seek medical attention on any abnormalities in the breast and other parts of the human system.
“That’s why aside from these screening exercises, we also embarked on advocacy visits and awareness campaigns to enlighten women and children on disease,” she added.
Nigeria records about 12,000 cervical cancer cases annually, out of which nearly 8,000 women die, and globally, a woman dies from the disease every two minutes.
She, therefore, highlighted the World Health Organisation’s 90-70-90 targets aimed at reducing cervical cancer, urging increased vaccination, screening and treatment uptake.
On his part, the Health Desk Officer of NEDC, Mr. Matins Alozie, said the commission saw the need to support the screening due to the rising cancer cases across the globe.
He reaffirmed NEDC’s commitment to improving healthcare services for women, adding that early detection was key to survival.
“Not only that, NEDC will continue to partner with the WMAN and other health officials to sensitise people on their general health and wellbeing,” he said.
A cross section of the beneficiaries appreciated the gesture, and called for similar outreaches to be conducted to women in the remote communities in the region.
One of the patients, who spoke with mixed emotions, thanked the doctors for helping her to detect the disease early.
“The doctors promised to help us follow up with our cases and assist in any way possible to get adequate management,” she said.
She commended the NEDC for supporting the drive and appealed to them to do more for the association to ensure sustainability.