Over 1,000 individuals afflicted with breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, and other conditions in Cross River State benefitted from complimentary medical screenings and treatments offered by the Pink Africa Foundation in California.
As a non-profit aimed at enhancing cancer treatment and prevention education, Pink Africa Foundation partnered with the Asi Ukpo Comprehensive Cancer Centre, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), and other stakeholders to conduct the screening event, which saw large community participation.
During the launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Calabar, known as ‘Calabar Go Pink Day,’ the Pink Africa Foundation’s Executive Director, Victor Ekpo, pointed out that Nigeria’s breast cancer survival rate is less than 50 per cent, in stark contrast to 99 per cent in developed nations.
He emphasised that the increased focus on breast cancer is warranted, given the high rates of preventable deaths, noting that many fatalities stem from low awareness levels among the public.
Ekpo remarked, “In Africa, we are striving to raise awareness so that when a woman detects a lump in her breast, she recognises it as a sign that something is wrong. Historically, many would ignore such lumps due to inadequate knowledge and attempt to self-treat.”
He assured that they have resources ready to assist, stating that anyone who tests positive during screening will be referred to hospitals, where they offer discounted services and free treatment for women diagnosed with lumps. This includes partnerships with various organisations, such as Asi Ukpo Cancer Centre, which provides surgery and radiotherapy at no cost.
Commissioner for Women Affairs in Cross River state, Oedema Irom, encouraged women to take breast cancer seriously by conducting regular self-examinations. She praised the Pink Africa Foundation for its awareness initiative and confirmed that the Ministry of Women Affairs would work with the Medical Women Association to extend outreach to rural areas.