NAOWA urges women to prioritise breast screening

The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 1 Division Chapter, has urged women to undergo regular breast self-examination and seek early medical attention, warning that delayed diagnosis could reduce their chances of surviving breast cancer.

The association’s Chairperson, Dr Halima Tafida-Wase, made the call on Saturday in Kaduna during a breast cancer and mental health awareness programme organised by the association.

The programme, themed, “Her Voice, Her Journey: Embracing Mental and Physical Healing,” was organised to educate women on breast cancer, promote mental health awareness and encourage survivors to share their experiences.

Tafida-Wase said the initiative was part of activities marking October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, popularly known as Pink October, and the International Mental Health Day.

She said the programme was designed to educate women on the warning signs of breast cancer, encourage early diagnosis and treatment, and address the psychological challenges associated with the disease.

“My message to women in Kaduna and the 1 Division community is that any woman suffering in silence should know that she is not alone. She should come out because cancer is real,” she said.

The NAOWA chairperson urged women experiencing suspicious symptoms to visit appropriate health facilities, assuring them that the association was prepared to support those requiring medical attention.

She described regular breast self-examination as a simple and affordable practice that could help women identify unusual changes in their breasts and seek medical assessment promptly.

Tafida-Wase also highlighted the responsibilities military wives shoulder while their husbands are deployed for operations, noting that their physical and mental well-being was essential to family stability.

According to her, breast cancer affects more than the physical health of women, as it can also undermine their confidence, identity, emotional stability and mental well-being.

She called for a supportive environment where women could freely discuss their experiences and receive emotional and psychological support during treatment and recovery.

Also speaking, Maj. Dr James Abel, who delivered a lecture on breast cancer, mental health and physical healing, highlighted the connection between psychological well-being and physical health, particularly among military families.

Abel identified depression, prolonged stress and post-traumatic stress disorder as some of the mental health challenges affecting military personnel and their families.

He said spouses of military personnel could also experience secondary trauma arising from their husbands’ operational experiences.

The medical expert explained that prolonged stress could trigger physical symptoms, including migraines, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, digestive problems, fatigue and increased blood pressure.

He urged women to recognise signs of emotional exhaustion, seek professional help when necessary and make time for rest and self-care despite their domestic responsibilities.

A breast cancer survivor, Adejoke Adeyenka, urged women to overcome fear and denial, stressing that the disease was not a death sentence when detected early and appropriate treatment commenced.

Adeyenka said awareness programmes were important in reaching women who might lack adequate information about breast cancer or avoid medical attention out of fear.

She added that survivors’ experiences could inspire others to seek help, undergo screening and confront the challenges associated with the disease.

She urged women to take advantage of awareness initiatives, noting that sharing personal experiences could offer hope and encourage early diagnosis.