By FOLASADE AKPAN

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has urged Nigerians to end the culture of silence and stigma surrounding breast cancer.

Akume made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the launch of the Mariam-Atswandeh Cancer Support Foundation (MACSF) and a Breast Cancer Awareness Symposium.

The event, with the theme ‘From Awareness to Action: Building Resilient Communities Against Cancer,’ highlighted the need for early detection and community engagement.

Represented by Mr. Francis Ikyenge, Director in the SGF’s office, Akume said awareness and education were key to reducing breast cancer cases and deaths.

“We must break the culture of silence and stigma. Regular self-examinations, screenings and open conversations can save lives,” he said.

He added that survivors and patients required not only medical care but also emotional, financial and social support.

Akume noted that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, prioritized cancer prevention, early detection and treatment.

“We are expanding screening programmes, improving radiotherapy and chemotherapy access, and working with partners to reduce patients’ financial burdens,” he said.

He stressed that partnerships with organizations such as MACSF, civil society, faith-based groups and the private sector were essential to making progress.

The SGF commended the foundation for blending awareness, advocacy and direct support in line with government’s vision of a healthier population.

Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, represented by Dr. Uche Nwokwu, National Coordinator, National Cancer Control Programme, urged screening organizations to provide follow-up care for diagnosed patients.

He warned that some patients die not from cancer itself, but from the psychological trauma that follows a diagnosis.

Dr. Mya Ngon, WHO Team Lead for Disease Prevention and Control, said the MACS Foundation’s establishment showed growing community resolve against breast cancer.

She added that public awareness and early detection were vital to ensuring no woman was left behind due to lack of access or information.

The Imo governor’s wife, Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, represented by Mrs. Adaora Iwuanyanwu, said the foundation’s launch was timely and impactful.

“Awareness alone is not enough; we must act with urgency, compassion and collaboration,” she said.

She was represented by Mrs. Adaora Iwuanyanwu, wife of the deputy speaker of the Imo house of assembly.

Uzodimma, who chairs First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), pledged to work with the foundation to expand screening and reduce stigma.

Convener of the foundation, Mrs. Mariam Salami, a breast cancer survivor, encouraged patients to seek help and not isolate themselves.

“Cancer does not have the final word. Early detection saves lives, and no one should face cancer alone,” she said.

Salami said the foundation conducts outreach in hospitals, schools and markets to promote early detection and break cultural barriers.

According to GLOBOCAN 2022, Nigeria recorded 32,278 new breast cancer cases and 16,332 deaths, while Africa had over 198,000 new cases and 91,000 deaths.

Globally, breast cancer accounted for about 2.3 million new cases and 666,000 deaths, representing nearly 24 per cent of all female cancers.

October is commemorated globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. (NAN)