By Ishaya Ibrahim (Acting News Editor)
A campaign of awareness of breast cancer has begun in Imo State as part of activities marking this year’s World Cancer Day.
World Cancer Day is held on February 4 each year.
The awareness will be spread to the 36 states, according to Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) founder, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, wife of Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
“No woman in Nigeria should die needlessly of breast cancer,” she told a town hall meeting on 2018 World Cancer Day held at Imo State University, Owerri, which was chaired by Dr. Angelica Anele, a consultant at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu charged the newly inaugurated BRECAN state executives to remain committed because “BRECAN is an association that is involved in giving charity. We are here to help and to expect nothing in return.”
Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, praised her for taking on the fight against breast cancer which has become a scourge.
Okorocha, represented by the Secretary to Imo State Government, George Eche, also thanked her for starting the campaign in Imo State.
The event featured lectures on causes of cancer, fundraising, clinical breast examination, and the investiture of the Imo State BRECAN executives.
State chapter Chairperson, Cordelia Oreva, expressed her resolve to continue to create awareness about breast cancer and enjoined women to go to the hospital as early detection and presentation save life.
BRECAN plans to mark the 2018 World Cancer Day in the Federal Capital Territory on Sunday, February 4 with a public lecture and official launch of the chapter.
