Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on women across the state to embrace regular breast cancer screening, emphasising that early detection, prompt medical intervention and sustained public awareness are critical to saving lives.
The Governor made the call on Saturday at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina, during the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, organised to promote early screening, combat stigma and strengthen support for women affected by the disease.
He also disclosed plans by the state government to strengthen cancer diagnosis and treatment through the development of an imaging centre incorporating a dedicated cancer unit, alongside the introduction of specialised medical equipment.
“Screening and early detection are among the most important measures in addressing breast cancer. I encourage our women to take full advantage of the screening opportunities provided by Pledging Aid Charity Foundation, PAC-F, with the support of the state government. Please do not shy away from getting screened,” he said.
Governor Radda explained that detecting breast cancer at an early stage would enable patients to receive timely medical attention and improve their chances of successful treatment.
He commended Pledging Aid Charity Foundation,
PAC-F chaired by his wife, Hajiya Fatima Dikko Radda, for its sustained commitment to women’s health and its awareness, screening and patient-support initiatives since the beginning of his administration.
“The Foundation has done a great deal of work in supporting our women. Its awareness campaigns have contributed to identifying cancer cases and promoting early detection in the state,” the Governor noted.
He also acknowledged the contribution of Revive Belgium, a Belgian organisation partnering with the Foundation to support breast cancer patients through screening, treatment and surgical interventions.
According to him, the partnership also provides opportunities for Nigerian medical professionals to learn from their Belgian counterparts, strengthening local expertise in cancer diagnosis and management.
“As a government, we are continuing to work with this organisation to benefit from its expertise and technical support, particularly in strengthening the capacity of our doctors to manage cancer cases,” he said.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to specialised medical services. He urged residents to support the awareness campaign and encouraged women to seek professional medical attention whenever they notice unusual changes in their breasts.
He appreciated his wife for championing the initiative and acknowledged the technical committee, the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders for their contributions to improving healthcare delivery in Katsina State.
Earlier, the wife of the Governor and Founder of the Pledging Aid Charity Foundation, PAC-F, Hajiya Fatima Dikko Radda, called on families, community leaders, religious leaders and other stakeholders to make breast cancer awareness a shared responsibility by encouraging open discussions and regular screening.
She described the awareness walk as an important platform for educating the public, supporting affected patients and reinforcing the message that early detection saves lives.
“Breast cancer is not something we should be afraid to talk about. It is a condition we must understand, discuss openly and take practical steps to address. The earlier it is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment and recovery,” she said.
Hajiya Fatima urged women to take advantage of the screening services available through the campaign, stressing that unusual breast lumps or other changes should be assessed by qualified health professionals rather than ignored or treated without proper medical advice.
She explained that women whose screening results indicate possible abnormalities would receive guidance from the medical team on further assessment, referral and appropriate treatment.
Highlighting the Foundation’s five-year Memorandum of Understanding with Revive Belgium, she said the partnership was designed to improve access to cancer care and provide support to eligible patients.
“Where a person is diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and meets the programme’s eligibility criteria, arrangements can be made for treatment and support under this initiative,” she stated.
The Foundation’s Founder reassured women that a breast cancer diagnosis should not automatically be regarded as a death sentence, noting that early detection and timely treatment can significantly improve health outcomes.
“Please do not allow fear, shame or concerns about what people might say to prevent you from getting checked. Your health matters, your life matters, and seeking medical attention early is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself and your family,” she emphasised.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Hon. Musa Adamu, commended the Foundation for its sustained advocacy and public awareness efforts, noting that participation in the campaign reflected growing recognition of the importance of breast cancer screening and early detection.
He stressed that awareness campaigns were essential to addressing stigma, correcting misconceptions and encouraging people to seek medical attention without fear or discrimination.
The Commissioner acknowledged the collaboration between the state government, healthcare professionals, development partners and other stakeholders, describing their collective efforts as vital to strengthening cancer awareness, patient support and healthcare delivery.
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