Hope for Peace Women Initiative (HopeWin) has recently organized a cancer awareness sensitization program at the bustling Abibatu Mogaji Day and Sunday Market for market men and women in a bid to promote healthy lifestyle amongst them.
This sensitization brought together medical professionals, community leaders, and market-goers, shedding light on the crucial aspects of cancer and its prevention and early detection.
Dr. Saba, Deputy Director, Radiotherapy and Oncology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), emphasized the importance of lifestyle choices in preventing cancer. “Avoid poly pharmacy, eat well, refrain from smoking and excessive drinking, and promptly seek medical attention if you notice any changes,” he advised, underlining the significance of proactive healthcare.
Dr. Mariam Oshodi, Assistant Director, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, provided practical guidance on checking for specific types of cancer. “Regularly check for cervical cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer for men. Adopt a healthy lifestyle, exercise, consume fruits and vegetables, maintain proper hygiene, and undergo regular medical check-ups,” she stressed as she empowered the attendees with actionable steps for their well-being.
HopeWin, the driving force behind this seminar, aims to safeguard the health of women and children across Africa. Mrs Naimah Obidola, the Deputy Director of the organization highlighted the critical need for such initiative, saying, “We take care of women and children in every way, and bringing a cancer awareness program to this market is our way of ensuring the safety and well-being of our women.”
Additionally, this awareness program organized by touched upon the significance of human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness in preventing cervical cancer.
With Dr. Mariam’s highlight on the importance of regularly checking for cervical cancer and adopting a healthy lifestyle, it educated the market-goers, particularly women, on the role of preventive measures, including vaccination and regular screenings, in reducing the risk of HPV-related cancers.
Deaconess Niniola Motunrayo, the representative of Iyaloja General, Ojodu LCDA and Treasurer of Abibatu Mogaji Day and Sunday Market expressed gratitude on behalf of the Iyaloja of the market for the initiative. “This is not the first time this has been brought to us, and whenever it happens, we are always happy”.
Reflecting on what she learnt, she added, “I learned that cancer is hereditary today. I didn’t know before now. I also learned that makeup products can cause cancer.”
She urged fellow market women to attend such programs and prioritize their health, concluding with appreciation for HopeWin’s contribution to the community. “We thank God for this opportunity and HopeWin for bringing this program to our market,” she appreciated.
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