By LUCY OSUIZIGBO-OKECHUKWU

The First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC) has empowered 10 cancer survivors to provide support, expand access to post-treatment care, and promote early screening and prevention efforts in the country.

The empowerment which held in Lagos, was in partnership with Roche Nigeria and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), to commemorate Cancer Survivors Month.

In her address, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, former First Lady of Kebbi State and Chairperson of FLAC, emphasised that cancer awareness, early detection and support for survivors should be considered necessities, not luxuries.

“FLAC has consistently positioned itself as a coalition of care, working across states to change the cancer story in Nigeria.

“Cancer control is beyond a medical issue, it is a nation-building one.

“That is why FLAC’s core mission is to be a proactive system that prioritises early detection, awareness, outreach and support to boost warriors’ chances of victory.

“This event is an affirmation of our roles as custodians of hope. We will keep standing for every life that has been touched by cancer,” she said.

Also speaking, a former First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun, called on First Ladies across Nigeria to leverage their unique positions to influence policy and promote meaningful social change in the fight against cancer.

Mrs. Dorothy Nyong’o, the First Lady of Kisumu County in Kenya, expressed concern that it was unfortunate that cancer affected more women than men.

“As First Ladies, you have the unique privilege to champion this course and save lives.

“Let cancer control be prioritised. Call for more funding for screening, and palliative care to create a country where every woman in Nigeria can live a life free of the burden of cancer.

“When women suffer, entire families suffer. Conversely, when women thrive, families and societies as a whole thrive,” she said.

Ms. Tolulope Popoola, a cancer survivor, encouraged cancer patients to remain hopeful, reminding them that cancer was not a death sentence, but a battle that could be fought and won.

“Cancer challenged every part of who I was. It tested my body, my emotions and my spirit. There were moments of darkness, days I felt I couldn’t go on.

“But with the support of my family, friends and the incredible medical team around me, I kept going,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event featured a book launch and an induction ceremony of Friends of FLAC (FoFLAC). (NAN)