BY OLAYINKA LATONA
OCTOBER  is regarded as Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.

The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer. It also provides a platform for breast cancer charities to raise awareness of their work and of the disease; BCAM is also a prime opportunity to remind women to be breast aware for earlier detection.

In line with the above objective, an NGO, Poverty Alleviation for the Poor Initiative (PAFPI) is holding a 6-day programme in Delta State, in its bid to realise  N34 million with which to set up at least three breast cancer screening centres in the  State.

Initiator of the project, Mr. Kejekpo Peter Omonade said the PAFPI Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign programme starting today  is being organised in memory of his wife who battled the deadly disease until she gave up the ghost.

He said PAFPI’s 2011 programme, is first of a planned annual event  included a rally at Asaba, a walk for life and seminar on self-breast examination with information about Breast Cancer for women in  Ughelli, Agbor, Ozoro and Oghara.

On Saturday, October 22, there will be a drama presentation on the need to overcome Breast Cancer, paper presentations and the inauguration of a Breast Cancer information Centre at the General Hospital, Ughelli.

Omonade stressed the need for Nigerian governments and non-governmental agencies to support any initiative aimed at sensitizing the womenfolk about the devastating effects of breast cancer, which he said claimed the life of wife of several years.

It was in this light that PAFPI, worried by the effect on the womenfolk and child development in the country, has decided to contribute its quota to the various campaign programmes that have been going on in parts of Nigeria by organising a 6-day breast cancer awareness campaign in Delta State.

Over 2,400 women would be in attendance to benefit from the awareness, educative and screening programme.

“Given to the above spread and the fact that most women in the urban and sub-urban areas lack the necessary information to prevent and ward off the deadly disease hence PAFPI has taken the bull by the horn to organise a 6-day breast cancer awareness campaign in Delta State where the target mix is urban as well as sub–urban areas so that a massive drive and inclusion of a large segment of women population is achieved.”