By Joe Ephraim
A non governmental organisation known as the Pink Africa Foundation has screened and offered treatments for more than one thousand Cross River residents suspected to have breast, cervical, ovarian and prostrate cancers in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State.
The organization aimed at enhancing cancer treatment and prevention education, Pink Africa Foundation partnered with the Asi Ukpo Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), and other stakeholders to conduct the screening event, which saw large community participation.
During the flagoff of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Calabar, known as ‘Calabar Go Pink Day,’ Pink Africa Foundation’s Executive Director, Victor Ekpo, pointed out that Nigeria’s breast cancer survival rate is less than 50 percent, in stark contrast to 99 percent in developed nations.
He emphasized that the increased focus on breast cancer is warranted, given the high rates of preventable deaths, noting that many fatalities stem from low awareness levels among the public.
Ekpo remarked, “In Africa, we are striving to raise awareness so that when a woman detects a lump in her breast, she recognizes it as a sign that something is wrong. Historically, many would ignore such lumps due to inadequate knowledge and attempt to self-treat.”
He assured that they have resources ready to assist, stating that anyone who tests positive during screening will be referred to hospitals, where they offer discounted services and free treatment for women diagnosed with lumps. This includes partnerships with various organizations, such as Asi Ukpo Cancer Center, which provides surgery and radiotherapy at no cost.
Commissioner for Women Affairs in Cross River state, Edema Irom, encouraged women to take breast cancer seriously by conducting regular self-examinations. She praised Pink Africa Foundation for their awareness initiative and confirmed that the Ministry of Women Affairs would work with the Medical Women Association to extend outreach to rural areas.
Dr. Minika Hagan-Okon, President of MWAN’s Cross River State branch, noted that breast cancer awareness is not solely targeted at women, acknowledging that men can also be affected. She asserted that breast cancer is among the most preventable cancers, emphasizing that early detection is critical.
She highlighted that factors such as self-esteem and traditional beliefs often hinder women from seeking timely treatment. Hagan-Okon advised against lifestyles that elevate cancer risk, such as smoking and excessive drinking, and encouraged a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Reporting on the alarming rate of breast cancer cases in the state, Hagan-Okon mentioned that during a recent Well Woman Clinic, five out of 19 participants were found to have breast lumps. She added that many tend to conceal their conditions until they worsen and stated plans to publish data on this issue next year to raise awareness of its severity.
Hagan-Okon reiterated that breast and cervical cancers are the two most preventable types in Nigeria and stressed the importance of early detection. She called on compassionate individuals to support efforts to reach beyond Calabar to areas like Ikom, Ogoja, and Obanliku for screenings, as many may be unaware of their conditions.
Yegwa Ukpo, executive director of the Asi Ukpo Comprehensive Cancer Center, noted that the center is committed to raising cancer awareness due to its rising prevalence.
He expressed concern over the current cancer situation, which he described as a national emergency, citing approximately 288,000 cancer cases in the country, while highlighting the insufficiency of treatment centers. He stated their goal to expand the services offered through their center.
