The First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has called on young girls and other women to prioritize their health through regular medical check-ups for early detection of cancer for quick medication.
Hajiya Huriyya made the call during the School Based Cancer Awareness Outreach organized by the First Ladies Again Cancer in collaboration with her office held at a government Girls Secondary School Gusau.
The awareness campaigns had brought together adolescent girls students, health experts and other stakeholders.
Addressing the students and other participants, Hajiya Huriyya emphasized that awareness and knowledge are powerful tools in preventing the disease.
Hajiya Huriyya said the campaign reflects the global theme Every story is unique, every journey matters which underscores the importance of solidarity in the fight against cancer.
“As women, we face health challenges such as breast and cervical cancer. Let us prioritize our health and encourage others to do the same. Gaining early knowledge and awareness will help you make wise choices and build a healthier, brighter future for our society,” she advised.
Hajiya Huriyya, who also served as the National Secretary of the First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), commended the organization for its commitment to educating communities and empowering women with life-saving information.
She assured that, her office would continue to sensitize the public on early detection, regular screening, and healthy living practices.
Delivering a lecture at the event, the Chairperson of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Zamfara State Chapter, Dr. Khadija Kanoma, highlighted that, breast and cervical cancers remain the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide.
Dr. Kanoma explained that, one in every eight women is at risk of developing breast cancer, stressing that, early detection through self-examination and regular screening can significantly reduce mortality.
“Prevention starts with awareness. Regular self-breast examination, avoiding cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise are vital preventive measures,” she said.
Dr Khadija Kano also stated that, cervical cancer, caused mainly by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), is entirely preventable through vaccination and early screening.
According to her, as part of the initiative, the First Lady has approved free cancer screening for 200 women across the state, while medical experts demonstrated practical steps for early detection and the importance of timely hospital response.
Ealier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Hajiya Maryam Shantali lauded the initiative, described it as a reflection of the First Lady’s compassion and commitment to the welfare of women and girls in the state.
"By bringing this awareness campaign to our schools, you are not only promoting early detection and prevention of cancer but also inspiring a culture of health consciousness among our girls, the future mothers and leaders of our society,” she stated.Hajiya Shantali further noted that the outreach aligns with Governor Dauda Lawal’s vision of transforming schools into platforms for both academic learning and life skills education.
One of the students who spoke on behalf of her colleague commended the Zamfara first lady for all her laudable initiatives to improve the lives of women.
She also said they would take the campaign seriously for the benefit of their health.
During the awareness sensitisation, experts have demonstrated on how the students would carryout early detection of cancer among them.
