NBA Women Forum Sounds Alarm on Cancer, Urges Early Detection in Onitsha
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Anambra State Branch, Women Forum, has intensified efforts to promote early cancer detection through a public awareness campaign in Onitsha, urging residents to embrace regular screening and seek prompt medical attention for unusual bodily changes.
The campaign featured a health awareness walk through major parts of the commercial city as part of activities marking Cancer Awareness Month in October.
Women lawyers from Idemili, Ogbaru, Otuocha Onitsha and Ihiala converged in Onitsha for the walk.
The lawyers departed from the NBA House and proceeded through the DMGS area, Ekene Junction and Awka Road, stopping at strategic locations to educate market women, motorists and passers-by on cancer types, warning signs and preventive measures.
Speaking after the exercise, the Chairman of the NBA Onitsha Branch, Christopher Onwuzulike commended the President of the Bar for initiating the sensitisation programme, describing it as an important effort to promote preventive healthcare among lawyers and the wider public.
Onwuzulike stressed that cancer awareness should not be limited by age or gender, urging lawyers to prioritise regular medical check-ups and appropriate cancer screening.
He also appreciated the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Amara Muojeke, who serves as the state lead for the exercise, and other participants for supporting the campaign.
In her remarks, Muojeke said lawyers often concentrate on resolving other people’s problems while neglecting their personal health, calling on them to pay greater attention to their well-being.
She emphasised that early detection could improve the chances of successful treatment and specifically encouraged women to undergo breast and cervical cancer screening.
Muojeke also highlighted symptoms that require medical evaluation, including persistent bloating, abdominal swelling, constipation, unexplained weight loss, breast lumps or unusual swelling, bleeding after menopause, difficulty passing urine, blood in the urine and persistent tiredness.
She cautioned that these symptoms do not automatically indicate cancer, as they may result from other medical conditions, but advised anyone experiencing persistent symptoms or unusual bodily changes to consult a healthcare professional.
Coordinators of the NBA Women Forum from Ogbaru, Ihiala, Onitsha and other areas reinforced the call for increased public participation in cancer awareness and preventive healthcare.
They urged residents to adopt healthy lifestyles, undergo appropriate screening and seek medical attention promptly when concerning symptoms develop.
The coordinators stressed that sustained public education and early detection are essential to improving cancer outcomes and reducing preventable deaths across communities.
