Dr Linda Ayade Marks World Breast Cancer Awareness Week and Hand Washing Day in Calabar
stakeholders in the health sector have called for an elaborate and comprehensive financial system to back early detection of breast cancer among women and men across the globe.
Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Dr Linda Ayade made the call during a cancer awareness walk in Calabar hosted by the Pink Africa Foundation, as a means to sensitize citizens on the deadly effects of Cancer and other common but neglected diseases.
Dr Ayade said breast , cancer recording one of the most deaths in the world, accounts for one in every 8 women standing at a risk of death if not detected at the early stages.
The first lady who was represented by the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong said, the growing risk of breast cancer in the country and the state in particular calls for new approaches including an advocate for more resources to fund cancer treatments.
She said ,the urgent rise in breast cancer especially among the younger generation calls for prompt attention to halt uneven spread and genetically transmittable cells which place the human race at risk.
She said, the breast cancer awareness walk keeps getting better as recorded by the number of groups present at the walk and the continuous inflow of women for prompt screening, examination and referrals when cases arises.
She appreciated every one and reiterated Government\’s commitment to ensure every woman at thr grassroot who visits health facilities will have at least examination and if suspected cases are detected, will be referred for proper care and the state Government will ensure to give support for the management of such detected case.
She encouraged the public to abstain from excessive smoking, intake of hard drugs, excessive intake of alcohol and contraceptives.
She also encouraged women to breastfeed as it will help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
She thanked the Pink Africa and Asiukpo comprehensive cancer center for the strong collaborations that have led to so many women being managed and free from cancer.
Furthermore, to mark the Global Hand Washing Day, Her Excellency also sensitized the public on the importance of proper hand hygiene.
She said, majority of the illnesses recorded in recent times like cholera, covid-19, Typhoid and Diarrhoea have been traced to poor hand wash hygiene, therefore there is an urgent need to teach people on the best ways and when most appropriate to wash hands.
Converner of the Calabar Breast Cancer awareness walk and Founder of the Pink Africa Foundation, Dr Nchewi Ani appreciated all the groups and seeked continued support from government and individuals to decentralize and form cancer screening points in major health facilities In the state to advance prompt breast check in Communities.
She appealed for more funding and promised close check and wider collaborations with the Government and other partners in order to encourage earlier detection which will increase chances of survival.
The Permanent secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Dr Iwara Iwara encouraged both men and women to imbibe the attitude of going for regular medical checks as it will help with early detection. He assured everyone that they can have free physical examination at the Primary and secondary facilities. He also encouraged proper hand hygiene to help reduce diseases.
Representative of Lafarge, also a sponsor, Brenda Effiom reiterated her organisation continued support to communities through health interventions that will promote early detection of breast cancer.
Other dignitaries and organisations such as, Asiukpo, NMA, Calabar mums, VIFADAD , the Amazon tribe, We care women and youth foundation, WWP, church girl , Mwan, amongst others pledged their commitment to the cause.
Highlight of the event were testimonies from survivors, financial support for treatment of a breast cancer patient and a pledge to continue to be an advocate to help halt breast cancer.
The event recorded free breast cancer screening, practical demonstration of best self examination procedures for both men and women, referrals for Breast cancer, proper hand washing demonstration.