By Paul Olayemi

Women in Rotary District 9141 and the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) Delta State Chapter took to the streets of Sapele in Delta State on Wednesday, November 1st to raise awareness on breast cancer prevention. 

The exercise was part of the activities to mark World Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2023.

The women carried banners with messages such as “Early Detection is Key”, “Save Your Breast, Save Your Life”, and “Regular Self Examination Helps”. They also visited the Sapele Main Market, where they sensitized women on the need to examine their breasts and take preventive measures to avoid breast cancer.

The team later proceeded to the Gana Health Centre, where they conducted free breast cancer screening for women. The coordinator of MWAN Delta State Chapter and the leader of the medical team, Dr. Odiakaose Nwakuso, explained the causes and symptoms of breast cancer to the participants. 

She said breast cancer is a condition in which breast tissues are destroyed because of the sudden excessive growth of its cells, leading to damage of the surrounding tissues and other organs.

She advised women to check their breasts regularly, at least once a month, but not during menstruation or ovulation periods because of the hormonal changes. She said if they notice any changes in the size or shape of their breasts, such as drawing in of the nipples, depression on the surface, new visible veins, rash or scaling of the skin, they should report to a medical expert or visit the hospital for advice.

The president of Rotary Club of Sapele Urban, Rotn Adanma Eguvwebere, said the exercise was in line with Rotary’s focus on disease prevention and control. She urged women to imbibe the culture of regular self-breast checks and early detection.

The Delta State coordinator of Women in Rotary, Rotarian Irene Ebouh, said technology has made it possible to detect breast cancer early and treat it effectively. She encouraged women to take advantage of the health talk and screening exercise.

The chair of District 9141 Women in Rotary, Rotarian Judith Nwachukwu, commended MWAN Delta State Chapter for partnering with them and other sponsors for supporting the exercise. She said every October is set aside to celebrate breast cancer awareness month and as Rotarians known for humanitarian service, they felt the need to organize the program to educate fellow women on how to take care of their breasts and avoid cancer.