By Usman Aliyu
Mrs Akon Uduyebo, Zonal Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 4 Brigade Chapter, Benin, says the war against cancer can be won if Nigerians adopt a culture of regular medical screening.
Mrs Uduyebo stated this on Friday during an event to commemorate the 2025 World Breast Cancer Awareness Day and World Mental Health Day celebrations organised by the association.
The zonal coordinator also called for a show of empathy toward those battling the disease.
“The fight against cancer can be won if all men and women embrace the spirit of regular screening.
“Whenever the news of cancer is being broken to you by your doctor, it is not a death sentence. There is hope, and everyone should be treated uniquely according to their cases,” she said.
She described this year’s breast cancer awareness theme, “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” as a reminder that behind every diagnosis lied a human story of courage, struggle and hope.
“Every woman and man who faces breast cancer deserves not only medical care but empathy, understanding and a community that walks with them on their journey.
“We should treat people with humanity,” she said.
Mrs Uduyebo, who is the wife of the 4 Brigade Commander, stressed that breast cancer was not a death sentence and could be cured with early detection.
Speaking also on World Mental Health Day themed: “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” she urged Nigerians to prioritise mental well-being as part of holistic health care.
“This theme reminds us that during crises – whether natural disasters, conflicts, or personal tragedies – mental health often takes a back seat, even though it is as vital as food, shelter, or medicine.
“Health is holistic; we cannot separate the mind from the body or the body from the spirit.
“Those who have mental challenges need understanding, not isolation. We should talk to them, empathise with them, and help them proffer solutions to live with their situations,” she said.
In his remarks, the Commander of the 4 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, described cancer as one of the world’s most devastating health challenges but noted that early detection and healthy living could make a life-saving difference.
“Today’s event reminds us that knowledge saves lives. Timely screening and healthy living are powerful tools in the fight against cancer,” he said.
Oduyebo revealed that his mother died of kidney cancer, saying the loss underscored why awareness and early detection were crucial.
“My wife is probably championing this cause because her mother-in-law, my mother, died of cancer – though kidney cancer and not breast cancer.
“She would have probably still been with us if we had this type of awareness then,” he said.
He commended the courage of cancer survivors, describing them as “true warriors and sources of inspiration,” and praised NAOWA for promoting health advocacy.
“We can overcome this challenge through unity, education, and compassion,” the brigade commander added.
Also delivering a lecture at the event, Capt. Emmanuel Ezugwu, who is a medical doctor, highlighted the major causes of mental health challenges, including stress, depression, isolation, and gender-based pressures.
He recommended counselling, open communication, and support systems as part of the solutions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joe Idika
