The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, Brig.-Gen. Godwin Ogoh, has emphasized the importance of sustained public education on breast and cervical cancer to promote early detection and reduce cancer-related deaths.
Ogoh made this statement on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the hospital by Mrs. Hussaina Yakubu, founder of Hassy’s Haven Foundation, in Kaduna.
He described cancer treatment as expensive and emotionally draining, noting that many cases could be effectively managed if detected early.
According to him, regular self-examination is one of the most effective preventive measures against breast cancer.
The CMD urged women to routinely examine their breasts and surrounding areas, including the armpits, for unusual lumps or changes, and to seek medical attention promptly if abnormalities are found.
“Prevention is better than cure. Teaching women how to examine themselves regularly and encouraging early reporting of findings can significantly reduce late-stage breast cancer cases,” he said.
Ogoh expressed concern that many patients in Nigeria seek medical help only when the disease is advanced, often after trying alternative treatments or ignoring early symptoms.
He highlighted the importance of cervical cancer screening through Pap smear tests and urged women, especially those at risk, to utilize available screening services.
The hospital expressed readiness to partner with Hassy’s Haven Foundation to organize community-based cancer screening and awareness programs.
He added that the hospital can provide professional support, including Pap smear screening, diagnostics, result interpretation, and referrals.
“We are committed to supporting initiatives that promote prevention and early detection. The fewer people who present with advanced cancer, the better,” he stated.
Ogoh also called on the media and civil society organizations to intensify awareness campaigns on cancer prevention and early diagnosis.
Earlier, Mrs. Hussaina Yakubu explained that her foundation was established in memory of her late twin sister, Hassana, who fought cancer for eight years before passing away.
She shared that the experience revealed the physical, emotional, psychological, and financial burdens of cancer treatment.
Yakubu said the foundation aims to turn that painful experience into advocacy, awareness, and support for cancer patients and vulnerable groups.
She added that the foundation focuses on cancer awareness, early detection, support for vulnerable patients, widows, women, and children, as well as advocating for better healthcare access.
The foundation has conducted awareness campaigns and visited cancer patients at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna.
Yakubu said the recent hospital visit was to explore collaboration opportunities in cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment support.
She announced plans to organize community-based screening outreaches and called for the hospital’s partnership in providing cervical and breast cancer screening, as well as pathology services.
“We believe that strategic partnerships like this can boost cancer awareness, promote early detection, reduce preventable deaths, and give hope to those affected,” she said.
Yakubu expressed optimism that the collaboration would strengthen ongoing efforts to fight cancer and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations in Kaduna State.
