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 the call at a medical check and cancer screening event for women from 326 wards in the state.
The event, held at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, provided free medical checks and cancer screening services to over 1,000 women. Experts equally presented lectures on breast cancer, cervical cancer, hypertension and diabetes.
In her speech, Mrs. Soludo said she made the screening free to benefit women due to 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 who emphasized the need for regular exercise and healthy living, noting that it was not expensive, even as she thanked the President's wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for donating 1,200 bags of rice to launch Nigeria's food security programme in the state.
Delivering a lecture on breast cancer, Professor Chiemelu Emegoakor, said 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. Chiemelu Emegoakor further discussed breast cancer, citing its prevalence among women, particularly between 40-50 years. He advised self-breast examinations and mammograms from age 40.
In their separate presentations, Dr. Amaka Anigbogu conducted a hands-on session demonstrating self-breast examination techniques, emphasizing 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 while a community pharmacist Dr. Ifeoma Umeh, gave a presentation on hypertension, diabetes, and cervical cancer prevention, recommending regular health checks and vaccinations noting cancer takes 15 years to manifest.
Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike who gave a rundown of activities for the event, emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
In her vote it thanks, The Local Government Chairman of Idemili South Hon. Amaka Obi thanked Mrs. Soludo for her goodwill and donations.
In attendance were top government functionaries including members of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Anambra Chapter led by Mrs. Tochukwu Ifejika
The event aimed to promote women's health, cancer awareness and early detection, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on health and well-being.