Engage In Regular Breast Self-examination To Prevent Disease, Osun NAWOJ Urges Women

As world commemorates Cancer Day, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Osun State Chapter Sunday, urged women to engage in regular breast self-examination for early detection of breast cancer and reduction in material mortality.

NAWOJ also called on individuals and organisations to get involved in cancer interventions, especially through awareness creation in order to solve the late presentation issue in the country.

In a statement jointly signed by the chairperson and secretary of the association, Motunrayo Ayegbayo and Florence Babaṣọla said the awareness level of Nigerian women to breast and cervical cancer is very low, and this is heightened by procrastination, fear, (It is not my portion syndrome), socio-economic, and superstitious/cultural restraint.

NAWOJ stated that awareness and education to both rural and urban women/men, on early presentation of cancer will reduce the late presentation burden.

It noted that  lack of exercise, obesity are known and avoidable risk factors; avoiding multiple sex partners and having protected sex when inevitable will prevent cancer of the cervix.

The association thereby urged women to engage in regular medical checks like self-breast examination and other age-related breast examinations which will help prevent breast cancer.

It also called for regular check and screening of the prostate gland in men will help ensure early and curative treatment.