By Ukpa Ewa
The wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has emphasized the importance of regular health checks and lifestyle changes, stressing that health is the greatest wealth. She made this call during a comprehensive medical check-up and cancer screening event for women from 326 wards in the state.
The event, held at the Governor's
Lodge premises in Amawbia, provided free medical checks and cancer screening
services to over 1,000 women. Experts presented lectures on breast cancer,
cervical cancer, hypertension, and diabetes.
In her speech, Mrs. Soludo
stated that she made the screening free to benefit women, highlighting the
governor's commitment to free antenatal care, delivery, and education. She advocated
for exclusive breastfeeding for at least two years to reduce cancer risk, as
recommended by health experts. Mrs. Soludo emphasized the need for regular
exercise and healthy living, noting that it's not expensive. She also thanked
Senator Oluremi Tinubu for donating 1,200 bags of rice to launch Nigeria's food
security program in the state.
During the event, Professor
Chiemelu Emegoakor delivered an insightful lecture on breast cancer, marking
October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. He highlighted the uncontrolled
growth of cancer cells and noted the increased risk factors, including genetic
predisposition, lifestyle habits, and certain medications. Prof. Emegoakor
urged women to undergo regular screenings, which, if done early, can lead to a
near 100% cure rate.
Prof. Emegoakor further
discussed breast cancer, citing its prevalence among women, particularly
between the ages of 40 and 50. He advised self-breast examinations and
mammograms starting at age 40. In separate presentations, Dr. Amaka Anigbogu
conducted a hands-on session demonstrating self-breast examination techniques,
emphasizing the need for prompt medical attention for unusual findings.
She advised women to perform
monthly checks, especially after their menstrual cycles, and also pointed out
that extended breastfeeding can lower cancer risks. Meanwhile, community
pharmacist Dr. Ifeoma Umeh gave a presentation on hypertension, diabetes, and
cervical cancer prevention, recommending regular health checks and
vaccinations, noting that cancer can take 15 years to manifest.
Anambra State Commissioner for
Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, who provided a rundown of activities for the event,
emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment of breast cancer. In
her vote of thanks, the Local Government Chairman of Idemili South, Hon. Amaka
Obi, thanked Mrs. Soludo for her goodwill and donations.
In attendance were top
government officials, including members of the Nigeria Association of Women
Journalists (NAWOJ) Anambra Chapter, led by Mrs. Tochukwu Ifejika. The event
aimed to promote women's health, raise cancer awareness, and encourage early
detection, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) on health and well-being.
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