MWAN Advises Women on Breast, Cervical Cancer Prevention

By Najib Sani, Gombe

The Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) Gombe State chapter, has intensified efforts to raise awareness on breast and cervical cancer, two of the leading killers of women of reproductive age.

As part of activities commemorating Cancer Awareness Month 2025, MWAN organised an awareness campaign at the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe mosque on Friday and Hospital’s Chapel on Sunday for women worshipers.

State chairperson of the association represented by the registrar in the department of obstetrics and gynecology of the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Fatima Bakary, who is a member of MWAN in an interview after the enlightenment event on Sunday, explained that the campaign, supported by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) aimed to educate women on the importance of early detection and prevention of breast and cervical cancers.

“Breast cancer is the number one cancer among women all over the world. The key is to raise awareness so that women will be conscious of their bodies and know how to protect themselves, as the key to prevention is early detection”, she said.

Bakary advised women to conduct monthly breast self-exams, stating that it is crucial for early detection.

According to her, anytime a woman detects any swelling, no matter how small, she should seek medical advice immediately.

She also confirmed that constant pressing and sucking of breasts can reduce the risk of cancer.

“Sucking of the breast is part of remedies or risk reduction for the breast cancer. So women that breastfeed their children are at less risk of having breast cancer”, she noted.

Regarding cervical cancer, Dr Bakary admonished women to practice safe sex and get screened and vaccinated for cervical cancer.

She announced that the association would commence free screening for breast and cervical cancer during their commemoration of the cancer month as well as give vaccines against cervical at the teaching hospital.

The campaign, she stated, was part of MWAN’s efforts to promote health awareness and reduce the prevalence of breast and cervical cancer in Gombe State.

Also speaking, an obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr Hari Aishatu Musa, counseled women to conduct monthly breast self-exams to detect changes and prevent breast cancer.

She also emphasised the importance of cervical cancer screening every three years until age 65.

According to her, screening is the best way to protect against cervical and breast cancer informing that girls between 9 and 14 years could be vaccinated against cervical cancer.

In a response, a member of the Hospital Chapel, Martha Daniel, expressed gratitude to MWAN for the initiative, saying it has helped clarify myths surrounding healthcare and spirituality.

“We do not downplay the effect of spirituality, and we do not downplay the effect of science. But each of them can stand independently and can be of great value to human life if properly maximised”, she said.