Supported

WORLD CANCER DAY CELEBRATION BREAST & CERVICAL CANCER SEMINAR

ORGANIZED FOR NAFOWA, AWA & NAOWA LAGOS STATE COMMAND

THEME: “CANCER CAN BE PREVENTED” DATE: 4TH

FEBRUARY 2011 VENUE: NIGERIAN AIR FORCE LOGISTICS COMMAND,

LAGOS STATE

YOUTH VISION ALLIANCE NETWORK AND WORLD CANCER DAY CELEBRATION (BREAST & CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS): Youth Vision Alliance Network (YVAN) is a youth-led initiative that was founded in July 2009 based on the premises that youths have important roles to play in the social development and environmental sustainability of their communities. YVAN projects are solution-based with the vision of finding lasting solutions to the problems militating against our peaceful and disease-free communal living; at the same time inspiring and empowering young leaders with sustainable leadership skills that will enable them become effective social change agent in their community. On “World Cancer Day 2010” February 4, 2010 YVAN organised free breast and cervical awareness seminar for over 400 market women in two markets in Lagos and Ogun State respectively. The awareness seminar was endorsement by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC); Geneva, Switzerland and supported by Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and Lagos State Television (LTV 8).

YVAN intensified effort in the fight against cancer by organising a free one-day breast and cervical cancer awareness seminar for members of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (Alagbole Zonal Headquarters) Glorious Women Group in September 2010 with the support of Cadbury Nigeria. The outreach benefitted well over 120 women of the group. On 26th December 2010 YVAN team was at the Republic of Benin to organize a free cancer awareness seminar for Nasrul-Lahi-

L-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) Cotonou Chapter which empowered over 50 women. According to a December 2010 report released by the World Health Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland – Each year globally, cancer kills more people than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined; and research suggests that one-third of cancer deaths can be avoided through prevention and another third through early detection and treatment.

YVAN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH CADBURY NIGERIA AND ME CURE HEALTHCARE: It is quite important that beyond organizing awareness campaigns and seminars over the past months, there is a need to provide platform for screening of participants as a way of fighting the scourge of breast and cervical cancer in a more practical way. These informed our decision to partner with ME Cure HealthCare Limited; an international healthcare provider that provides services in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and medical tourism. This partnership we hope will help our participants get breast and cervical screening services at a discounted rate in an enabling environment. Apart from being a long time supporter of YVAN’s cancer awareness campaign, Cadbury Nigeria Plc is a leading corporate figure that has contributed immensely to the fight against cancer in Nigeria. This year they renewed their commitment to the fight against cancer by supporting this laudable project.

However, the death rate of cancer globally and especially in developing countries such as Nigeria shaped YVAN’s decision to organise this year’s “World Cancer Day Celebration” with government establishment for maximum impact and effective dissemination of cancer awareness information. Therefore, the 2011 World Cancer Day Celebration was organised for members of the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), Nigerian Air Force Airmen Wives Association (AWA) and

Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA). The goal of the awareness seminar is to: To empower participants with information that will enable them make informed

decisions about living a healthy lifestyle in the fight of eradicating breast and cervical cancer as a life-threatening disease in Nigeria for this generation and for future generations.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This year’s World Cancer Day Celebration was a huge success as participants from NAFOWA, AWA and NAOWA were equipped with information on:

1. Early detection of breast and cervical 2. The causes and symptoms of these cancers 3. Preventive measures and living a healthy lifestyles; and 4. Referral to Me Cure HealthCare Limited; a cancer specialized clinic with state-of-the-

art medical facilities where participants are promised a discounted rate as benefit of their participation at the awareness seminar.

WORLD CANCER DAY 2011 ACTIVITIES: This year’s World Cancer Day drew important personalities from the military establishment, health sector and the media. Air Vice Marshal Hassan Nashehu, the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Mrs. Safiya Hassan Nashehu, NAFOWA LC Chairperson, His Excellence Mr. Luis Alberta Barrero Sahl Mexico Ambassador to Nigeria (who was unavoidably absent), Mr. Zaid Shopeju, Youth Vision Alliance Network YVAN Executive Director, Dr. Yusuf Oshodi from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital

(LASUTH) and Dr. M.Y.M Habeebu from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) among others. Air Vice Marshal Hassan Nashehu in his opening remark commended the leadership of NAFOWA Lagos Chapter for their contribution to the development of education in Lagos State, in particular for renovating some schools and embarking on

enlightenment campaign on cancer awareness. He eulogises them for collaborating with

the Youth Vision Alliance Network (YVAN) who helped in inviting resource persons and organising this year’s World Cancer Day celebration to enlighten NAFOWA, AWA and NAOWA whose members might not have been opportune to learn about the danger of cancer and its detective and preventive measure. He also encouraged the participants to pass the knowledge gained at the seminar to others as this will help in the

spread of cancer awareness information and save lives. The Air Vice Marshall assures NAFOWA of the Command’s moral, material and financial support to achieve their objectives as he thanked the resource persons invited. Mrs. Safiya Nashehu, NAFOWA Chairperson, enjoins individuals, associations, communities and the entire nation at large to come together to fight cancer. According to her, cancer is a health challenge that must be faced and curbed. She recalled that when the Youth Vision Alliance Network approached NAFOWA about the proposed seminar to celebrate the World Cancer Day; they have no reservation but to support the worthy and laudable cause because they believe “we must rise up and speak with one voice and say no to cancer.” The Executive Director of the Youth Vision Alliance Network, Mr. Zaid Shopeju during his brief speech on the advent of YVAN stated that his organisation’s goal is to see to the eradication of cancer as a life threatening-disease. He also emphasis the important roles youth can play in the socio-economic development of their nation, adding that YVAN is a youth-led organisation that provide platform for youth development, empowerment and capacity building. He quoted the revered former UN chief, Kofi Annan who once remarks that "No-one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. Rather both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime. Young people must be included from birth. A society that cuts itself off from its youth, servers its lifeline..." Additionally, he mentioned the tremendous support received from the Mexico Government through His Excellency, Ambassador Luis Alberto Barrero Sahl, who was unavoidably absent. Dr. Yusuf Oshodi of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, LASUTH, during his presentation on the effect of cervical cancer pointed out that globally, “there are nearly 1.4million cases of clinically recognized cervical cancer and it is estimated that as many as 7 million women will have high-grade changes in the cervix almost becoming cancer globally. He noted that cervical cancer is the second commonest cancer that affects women

worldwide, trailing behind breast cancer with about 80% occurring in developing countries like Nigeria.

Further, he stated that most important risk factor is infrequent cervical screening or lack of accessible cervical screening services, early age at sexual contact, human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, early marriage below age 20 years, multiple sexual partners and having many children among others. He mentioned the recent medical facts that show that cervical cancer is the No. 2 cancer in Nigeria which affects women 30 years and

above, commonest cancer of women in Calabar, Zaria and Eruwa and it affects majority (60%) of population in rural areas with no access to cervical screening. Cervical cancer symptoms includes abnormal vaginal bleeding, post coital bleeding, offensive watery (sometimes blood stained) vaginal discharge, backache, leg pain/oedema, haematuria, bowel changes, malaise or weight loss may accompany late disease vaginal mass to mention few. Dr. Oshodi suggested that periodic Pap Smear Test, the Visual Inspection of the Acetic Acid painted cervix (VIA) – affordable and more sensitive or the one-visit approach screening with VIA by trained personnel and provision of cryotherapy for obvious mildly moderate cervical dysplasia. He further suggested awareness campaign in communities and through the mass media for effective dissemination of information to curb the spread of in cancer in Nigeria.

Dr. Habeebu, Consultant Radiotherapist & Oncologist, Radiotherapy Department, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), pointed out that breast and skin cancer were the most common diagnosed disease among United States women and that this disease is also peculiar with Africans/American women. He noted that Breast Self Examination (BSE) is the most effective, safe and inexpensive method of detecting Breast Cancer (B.C.) in its early stage, when chances of complete cure are brightest during his presentation. When asked “who should & when should one do BSE? Dr. Habeebu responded that “every woman i.e. all mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts and cousins can do BSE monthly, seven days from the day of their menstrual cycle every month

to look for a lump, swelling hardiness, skin scaling, redness or irritation; dimpling or in-drawing of skin anywhere on breast; nipple-redness, discharge or retraction (in-drawing); and spontaneous pain".

He illustrated that BSE can be perform standing in front of a mirror large enough to see yourself from waist upwards. Look, observe size, shape, colour, contour and any change in nipple & areola. Turn slowly from side to side as you look. Observe in 3 positions; with arms by your side, arms raised above your head & with both hands pressing on your hips. This is done in 2 positions – in standing & lying positions. Feel right breast with left hand and left breast with the right. Feel with the FLAT of

the fingers and hand making a circular motion as you feel. The feeling hand may be moistened with soap & water, as you bathe or with a lotion. Dr. Habeebu concluded by saying “the aim of BSE and later medical consultation if needed is to make sure there is no cancer or to detect it in its Early Stage, when it can be cured!” Do BSE regularly and help yourself to fight Breast Cancer and Win! Though representatives from both Cadbury Nigeria Plc and Me Cure HealthCare Limited were regrettably absent, they send their strongest message of support to for this year’s World Cancer Day Celebration. Meanwhile, Ms. Ngozi Obigwe, Chief Operating Officer, LEAP Africa, expressed her organisation’s support in the fight against cancer. She noted that it was a great joy that an alumnus of LEAP Africa is the brain behind the founding of the Youth Vision Alliance Network (YVAN).

Mrs. Adenike Keenam, NAFOWA LC Secretary, shared her how she lost a close friend and member of NAFOWA to cancer after spending huge sum of money for treatment during her closing remarks. It was an emotional speech which gives the seminar a human touch and cancer a human face. She encourages the participants to go for periodic breast and cervical cancer checkups and screening. Additionally, she advised the participants to

cultivate healthy lifestyle as a way of combating the spread of cancer.

The Chief Operating Officer, Youth Vision Alliance Network (YVAN), Mr. Ademola Akinyemi, gave the vote of thanks. Special thanks were extended to our partners, invited guests and supporting organizations including the media houses (print and electronics). The seminar came to an end with prayer from a NAOWA representative. MEDIA NEWS LINKS: - NIGERIA: WORLD CANCER DAY – NAFOWA IN CRUSADE TO REDUCE SCOURGE, Daily

Independent Newspaper (Lagos), February 10, 2011. http://allafrica.com/stories/201102110740.html

- EXPERTS BEMOAN LOW CANCER AWARENESS, WANT MEDICAL POLICY, The Guardian Newspaper (Lagos), Thursday, February 17, 2011, Page 31.

SPECIAL THANKS: The board and management of Youth Vision Alliance Network (YVAN) will like to express

our sincere appreciation to leadership of NAFOWA, AWA and NAOWA, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Logistics Command Headquarters, Lagos, Ambassador Luis Alberto Barrero Sahl, Dr. Oshodi, Dr. Habeebu, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Me Cure HealthCare Limited, LEAP Africa, The Guardian Newspaper, Daily Independent, NTA Channel 5, LTV, AIT and

other members of the media and our wonderful volunteers.

This report was prepared by: Youth Vision Alliance Network (YVAN) Office Address: 20/22, Kings Avenue, Near Bemil Security, Ojodu, Lagos Email: info@youthvan.org or youthvisionalliancenetwork@gmail.com Website: www.youthvan.org Telephone: 07082939714, 08139427868, 07030545713

February, 2011