NEDC, Medical Women Lead Massive Cancer Screening for 500 Women in Alkaleri

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

The North-East Development Commission (NEDC), in partnership with the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Bauchi State chapter, has conducted free screening, health talks, and community sensitization on breast and cervical cancer for women and girls in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

Speaking during the outreach, the Chairperson of MWAN Bauchi State chapter, Dr. Umuhani Jaafaru, said about 500 women are expected to benefit from the cancer screening exercise in Alkaleri.

She explained that MWAN’s mission includes conducting health screenings, advocacy, and awareness campaigns aimed at educating women and children on diseases that affect them.

Dr. Jaafaru described breast and cervical cancers as major public health concerns that continue to cause high mortality among women globally, with sub-Saharan Africa recording the highest death rates.

She noted that about 12,000 Nigerian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, out of which 8,000 die, adding that globally, a woman dies from cervical cancer every two minutes.

She highlighted the World Health Organization’s target to eliminate cervical cancer by reducing its incidence to four cases per 100 women annually.

To achieve this, she said 90% of girls must be vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), saying Nigeria has therefore integrated the HPV vaccine into its routine immunization schedule.

She encouraged parents to ensure their girls aged 9 to 14 receive the vaccine at the nearest health facility.

Dr. Jaafaru further emphasized the need for 70% of married women to undergo cervical cancer screening using modern, high-definition methods, added that MWAN not only screens women but also provides treatment for those found with early signs of breast or cervical cancer.

She reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting underserved communities with essential health information, particularly on preventive measures.

Dr. Jaafaru also called on women to learn and practice regular breast self-examination, as early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

She announced that the cancer awareness and screening campaign will be conducted across all 20 local government areas of Bauchi State.

Also speaking, the Assistant Manager of NEDC, Bauchi State Office, Muhammad Ameer Ali, said the Commission finds it necessary to support MWAN’s initiative to improve women’s health in the region.

He noted that health interventions remain a top priority for the Commission as part of its efforts to strengthen healthcare systems across the North-East.

Ali expressed concern over the rising cases of breast and cervical cancer, describing them as alarming, commended the women of Alkaleri for their impressive turnout and urged them to maintain the commitment to regular screening.

Delivering a health talk at the Alkaleri General Hospital, Dr. Habiba Isma’il outlined key symptoms of breast cancer, including abnormal enlargement of one breast, changes in breast skin colour, and discharge of breast milk mixed with blood.

She encouraged women to perform self-examinations monthly, preferably after menstruation.

On cervical cancer, Dr. Isma’il explained that infection with HPV often transmitted through sexual intercourse is a major cause.

She added that women who smoke, or whose partners smoke, are at higher risk, urged married women to undergo cervical cancer screening every three years and ensure their daughters are vaccinated against HPV.

On her part, the former Director of Primary Healthcare, Kofar Ran, Bauchi, Hajiya Fatima Ja’afar, appealed to husbands to support their wives in taking preventive measures.

She stressed that although cervical and breast cancers are difficult to treat, they are largely preventable through early detection, warned against relying on traditional medicine or myths surrounding cancer.

Citing an example, she recalled a woman who spent over ₦5 million on breast cancer treatment, and appealed for government support for patients battling the disease.

Hajiya Fatima also reminded parents of the high global cost of HPV vaccines and urged them to take advantage of the free access currently provided by government in health facilities.

Some of the beneficiaries, Amina Umar and A’isha Alkaleri, expressed gratitude to MWAN and NEDC for the initiative and called for its regular continuation.