Lagos trains 155 health workers, begins breast cancer screening

Disclosing this during the week at the state secretariat, Alausa, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris explained that the sensitisation seminar involved all health workers in the respective local government area, such as medical officers of health, nurse pharmacists/pharmacy technicians, community health officers, community health extension workers and laboratory technologists/technicians. Furthermore, Idris noted that […]

Disclosing this during the week at the state secretariat, Alausa, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris explained that the sensitisation seminar involved all health workers in the respective local government area, such as medical officers of health, nurse pharmacists/pharmacy technicians, community health officers, community health extension workers and laboratory technologists/technicians.

Furthermore, Idris noted that breast cancer was a very deadly disease that had continued to claim precious lives of women, but could  be treated successfully if detected early by any of the simple methods of breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, mammography or breast ultrasound scan.

While speaking further, the commissioner pointed out that though the precise causes of breast cancer were unknown, some certain risk factors which might likely contribute to the development of the disease, like family history, were beyond control, just as several other factors, including breast feeding for a long time, eating healthy, maintaining good body weight among others were within our control.

He explained that the breast cancer screening and awareness programme, which was initiated by the state government in 2006 to address the challenge of breast cancer among women, was designed to educate everyone, especially women, on the disease and what they could do to protect themselves from falling victims.

Idris hinted, “I wish to implore everyone to ensure that you examine your breast regularly as we have been told and do not hesitate to visit any hospital nearest to you if you notice or feel a lump in any of your breasts. Let me emphasise the need for all women in the state to take advantage of the screening exercise to get screened as the screening and surgical removal of lumps are free of charge.”