…urging Nigerians to embrace early detection as a lifesaving priority
…as survivors courageously recount their experiences
By Gabriel Ewepu
ABUJA – Addressing the escalating challenge of non-communicable diseases, the Abuja Chapter of the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Benin City Old Girls Association, joined forces with Silver Cross Healthcare and Diagnostics this past weekend to launch an extensive breast cancer awareness initiative.
The partnership featured a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk held in Abuja, commemorating the 2025 World Cancer Day under the unifying theme ‘United by Unique’.
At the event, Dr. Iwaeye Osaze-Uzzi, President of the FGGC Benin City Old Girls Association Abuja Chapter and Head of Oncology Pharmacy at the National Hospital, underscored the critical need to amplify breast cancer awareness amid its rising incidence and mortality rates across Nigeria. She pointed out that October, recognized as Cancer Awareness Month, offers a vital opportunity for community education.
Dr. Osaze-Uzzi emphasized that prevention through early detection remains the most powerful weapon against breast cancer, advocating for grassroots educational efforts to equip Nigerians with essential knowledge.
Complementing the awareness walk, Silver Cross Healthcare and Diagnostics provided free medical screenings at their Wuse 2 facility, located at 20 Durban Street. The screening targeted 50 women, with mammograms for 10 participants generously funded by a philanthropic organization based in the United States.
With conviction, she stated, “I am committed to fighting cancer and dismantling the misconception that it equates to a death sentence.”
“Early detection is our strongest shield. As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, our goal is to inform both women and men about the realities of this disease,” she added.
“While I hesitate to call the mortality rate ‘high,’ it is undeniably increasing, largely due to insufficient awareness. Monthly self-examinations are crucial. Should you notice any unusual changes, seek medical advice immediately. Healthcare professionals can differentiate between benign and malignant lumps at an early stage,” she explained.
“Benign lumps can often be surgically removed, resolving the issue. Malignant lumps require a comprehensive treatment plan involving surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and medication management. Early diagnosis is essential because cancer advances through stages,” she noted.
Dr. Osaze-Uzzi also appealed to the federal government to subsidize cancer treatments and encouraged state and local authorities to provide financial support to patients.
“Cancer drugs are prohibitively expensive. If the federal government could partner with pharmaceutical companies to include these medications under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), patients might only pay a small fraction-perhaps 10%-while the government covers the rest. This would significantly reduce the financial burden and encourage timely medical care,” she urged.
Reflecting on the International Day of the Girl Child, she highlighted the transformative power of education in empowering young women.
“Educating a girl is akin to educating an entire community. Girls naturally possess nurturing qualities from an early age. Imagine the profound impact if we continue investing in their education and self-awareness. Our nation stands to benefit immensely,” she said.
“This vision must begin at the federal level and cascade through states, local governments, and traditional leaders. We are also planning outreach programs for current FGGC Benin City students to bolster their self-esteem and raise breast cancer awareness,” she added.
Augustine Onoriode, Administrator of Silver Cross Healthcare and Diagnostics, highlighted the strategic alliance between the hospital and FGGC Old Girls Association as a powerful collaboration to promote breast cancer prevention through early detection and treatment.
“Our institution thrives on partnerships that align with our mission to provide outstanding healthcare. Working with FGGC Old Girls Association, a non-medical organization, perfectly complements our clinical expertise,” he said.
“Today’s event aims to reinforce that breast cancer is a significant threat but one that can be prevented through early screening, which we offer at no cost,” Onoriode stated.
He expressed concern over the rising breast cancer cases in Nigeria, likening its prevalence to that of malaria, and lamented the public’s tendency to prioritize treatment over prevention.
“At Silver Cross, we are witnessing an increase in oncology patients. This partnership seeks to shift the focus from treatment to prevention,” he explained.
He further encouraged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, including regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, routine health check-ups, and prompt medical consultation when symptoms appear.
“Breast cancer is not a death sentence; it is manageable and treatable,” he affirmed.
During the awareness session, Dr. Ella Nwachukwu, an oncologist at the National Hospital, provided practical advice on how individuals can perform self-examinations to detect breast lumps early.
Dr. Nwachukwu dispelled common myths about cancer treatment and urged Nigerians to seek timely medical care to protect their health.
“Although men can develop breast cancer, it is much rarer due to hormonal and physiological differences,” she explained.
“Cancerous lumps are often painless in the early stages, which means they can go unnoticed until they enlarge and cause discomfort. Regular self-examinations are vital to catch these changes early,” she advised.
“Risk factors include being female and aging-both beyond personal control. Other uncontrollable factors include early menstruation and late menopause,” she added.
“However, modifiable risks such as alcohol intake, diets high in fat, physical inactivity, and sedentary habits can be addressed to lower the likelihood of developing breast cancer,” Dr. Nwachukwu emphasized.
Several breast cancer survivors shared their inspiring journeys, motivating attendees with stories of strength and recovery.
They encouraged women to face the disease proactively, avoid self-medication, and seek professional medical assistance without delay.