By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
The Bauchi State Chapter of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) in collaboration with the North East Development Commission, NEDC, has taken the fight against breast and cervical cancer to Dungal community in Bauchi Local Government Area.The campaign is part of activities marking this year’s Cancer Awareness Month.
The Women gathered in large numbers as medical experts and volunteers from the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, MWAN, and the North East Development Commission, NEDC, brought messages of hope and awareness about breast and cervical cancer.
President of MWAN Bauchi State Chapter, Dr. Ummahani Jafaru, reminded participants that every October, the world amplifies the fight against cancer — encouraging women to carry out regular self-examinations for early detection.
She said that Cancer awareness is about saving lives through knowledge. We want every woman to know that early detection can make all the difference.”
A consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Habiba Ismail, demonstrated practical steps for self-breast examination and explained that one in eight women is at risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime.
She also stressed the need for HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer among young girls aged between nine and fourteen.
Representing the NEDC State Coordinator, Sulaiman Ibrahim said the Commission remains committed to supporting health programmes that impact rural communities.
The event also featured goodwill messages from representatives of health ministries, civil society groups, and community leaders.
MWAN officials say the campaign will continue with free cancer screening and testing in Dungal and neighboring communities.
The medical women say awareness and early detection remain key in reducing cancer-related deaths among women in Nigeria.