A leading expert in breast cancer prevention, Dr Adamu Ningi, shared valuable advice with women at the 2023 breast cancer awareness day and 5-kilometer walk event in Bauchi State. Dr. Ningi, a General Surgeon and Specialist in Surgical Oncology at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, emphasized the importance of taking care of one’s breasts and involving partners and children in the process to prevent breast cancer.
The theme for this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Day was ‘Let Hope Light the Way, Walk Against Breast Cancer,’ and the event was organized by BIK Foundation, in collaboration with Alheri YS Foundation, VC Jones Care Foundation, and AABA Life Foundation.
Dr. Ningi highlighted the significance of breastfeeding and regular breast examinations by husbands in detecting and preventing breast cancer. He urged women to see their breasts as not only their own but as an organ that belongs to three people – themselves, their child, and their husband.
According to Dr. Ningi, breastfeeding provides protection against breast cancer. The more a woman breastfeeds her child, the stronger the protection. Therefore, he encouraged mothers to breastfeed and allow their husbands to touch and feel their breasts regularly, as this can help identify any abnormalities early on.
Furthermore, Dr. Ningi advised women to consider getting married at an early age, preferably between 24 and 25 years old, and start having children. He explained that the last five months of pregnancy offer additional protection against breast cancer.
At the end of the 5-kilometer awareness walk, Mr. Ibrahim Kashim, the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government and the Founder of BIK Foundation, announced that screening facilities had been made available for women to detect the disease. He also urged Non-Governmental Organizations to organize more activities throughout the year to reach out to communities and provide screenings for early detection and proper treatment.
It is crucial for every woman to prioritize her breast health and take proactive measures against breast cancer. By following the advice of experts like Dr. Ningi, we can create a society where breast cancer is detected early, lives are saved, and women are empowered to protect their health.
