Feb 27, 2008 - Breast Cancer Screening And Awareness Programme At Sango PHC Agege Local Goverment Secretariat
Today, we are gathered here in Agege Local Government in the continuous effort of the State Government to address the challenge of Breast Cancer, which has been identified as the second most prevalent malignant among women.
Breast Cancer is a deadly disease and has continued to claim the lives of women all over the world especially in developing nations due mainly to high level of ignorance and misconception associated with the disease. This screening and awareness programme which commenced in 2006 was initiated by the State Government to raise the level of awareness of the people, educate them on the simple method of self breast examination and also provide opportunity for women to undergo the screening process.
I am informed that since the commencement of this programme which has been carried out in Alimosho Local Government, Kosofe Local Government and Yaba Local Council Development Area, a total of 1,418 people have been screened.
I strongly believe that we need to go back to the drawing board and develop strategies that will make this programme more effective in the area of coverage. We need to reach out more to women in all parts of the State with the message of how they can safeguard their lives against breast cancer.
I want to use this opportunity to urge our women both young and old to take this issue of breast cancer more seriously. Those of us who are here today should put into practise what we have been taught and spread the message to as many people as we can in our families, neighbourhood, societies and work place. As deadly as breast cancer is, it can be cured only if it is detected at the early stage.
I also enjoin us not to waste time in approaching health officials at the designated hospitals whenever we need help or notice any unusual change in our breast.
My prayer is that we shall all live long to reap the fruits of our labour as mothers, homemakers and nation builders.
Finally, I want to commend the efforts of the leadership and officials of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation as well as the various Non- Governmental Organisations that have been consistent in their support for this programme. I also appreciate the efforts of the Executive Secretaries of Agege Local Government and Orile Agege Local Council Development Area in hosting today’s event. God bless you.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honour and privilege to flag off the Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening Programme to the glory of God and the good health of our people.
Remember to feel your breasts, it helps.
Thank you and God bless you all.
Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State