A breast cancer survivor, Mrs. Alice Mutawal, has appealed to the government at all levels to subsidise the cost of drugs used in the treatment of cancers.
Mutawal made the appeal on Saturday in Jos at the commemoration of the breast cancer awareness month by the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
The survivor said that most of the drugs used in the treatment of various types of cancer are expensive and most patients usually found it difficult to keep with the purchase of the drugs.
She appealed to the government at all levels to provide succor to the patients and their families by subsidizing the cost of the drugs.
Earlier, Dr. Pokop Bupwatda, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH),said the hospital, in commemorating the breast cancer awareness month, was embracing a movement dedicated to raising awareness, advocating early detection and fostering hope in the fight against breast cancer.
Bupwatda, emphasised that awareness for early detection was vital, as it significantly improved the treatment outcome.
“Cancer isn’t a death sentence, however early detection is very key to treatment outcome,” he said.
According to him, this was a critical time to unite efforts to educating , supporting and advocating for the prevention of breast cancer, as it is one of the most common forms of cancers worldwide.
Bupwatda, encouraged all staff of the hospital, to put on the pink ribbon throughout the month of October, as a symbol of solidarity with those affected by breast cancer and also support the focus on it’s prevention.
He said the hospital through its department of Radiation and Clinical Oncology had annually commemorated the month through various activities such as awareness walks, symposia,discussions, screenings focused on educating the general public about breast cancer and its treatment options.
The CMD, further said that the hospital, via its department of radiation and clinical oncology, would be teaching women how to examine their breast and a few mammograms would be conducted.
He commended one of its partners, the Esther Tyoden Foundation, for its continuous partnership and for also providing free cervical pap smear screening to commemorate the 2024 breast cancer awareness month.
Bupwatda, called on women to imbibe the act of monthly self examination and to seek prompt medical care when they discover any lump in their breast.
The CMD, encouraged women above 45 years of age to have an annual mammogram screening.
He further urged other stakeholders in Plateau, to participate by joining the “Go Pink” movement in raising awareness and showcasing support.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that an awareness walk was held by the management and staff of JUTH, to enlighten people on the disease. (NAN)
