By Ismail Umar, Sokoto
The Commander of the 119 Composite Group, Nigerian Air Force, Sokoto, Group Captain, Harry Nanle Gumut, has emphasized that regular awareness campaigns are crucial to combating breast cancer among women in Nigeria.
Group Captain Gumut stated this at the monthly cancer awareness campaign organised by Nigerian Air Force Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA) in Sokoto state.
He said breast cancer is the most common disease for women in developed countries and is expected to account for 30% of new cancers in women.
According to Gumut, “Nearly 266,120 patients develop breast cancer per year in Nigeria, and less than 1% of cases are reported in men.
“Mutations are associated with a 57% and 49% cumulative risk of breast cancer by age 70, respectively.
“Less than 10% of all breast cancers are attributable to mutations involving susceptibility genes,” he added.
Group Captain Gumut encouraged affected women to ensure timely diagnoses by getting a mammogram.
Also speaking, the NAFOWA Chairperson in Sokoto, Mrs Amina Namakka, said the sensitisation was aimed at creating more awareness among officers and soldiers’ wives on how to identify, detect, and tackle breast cancer.
Mrs Namakka appreciated the commander of 119 Composite Group, Group Captain Harry Nanle Gumut, for his continued support.
In a paper presentation titled “Hope and Courage in Every Step: Breaking the Silence on Breast Cancer,” the Commanding Officer of 119 Composite Group Medical Center, Flight Lieutenant Joseph Haggai, highlighted breast cancer risk factors, clinical presentation, breast self-examination, complications, treatment, and prevention.
He encouraged women to always ensure frequent checks of their breasts.
Haggai further advised women to maintain a healthy weight and regular exercise, to stop smoking, as well as other risk factors that cause breast cancer.