An annual breast cancer awareness walk across campus was organized by the student group Women Leadership Council (WLC) on October 13, 2022. Club members and everyone else who took part in the walk marched around campus while chanting motivational sayings while donning the vivid pink color.
Even though breast cancer kills many people, particularly women, Ms. Adeoti Osifeso, a fourth-year law student and vice president of WLC, said the disease is not given enough attention as a killer.
WLC organized the breast cancer information session, according to the VP, because they prefer that no one on this campus get the disease. Women are urged to participate in screening and early detection procedures since they can save lives.
WLC, she said, used various means of spreading the word, including video presentations. Ms. Adeoti said they caught people's attention and used the presentations to educate them. "Knowledge is the most effective form of empowerment, and that is exactly what we achieved."
She added that the WLC has plans to "advocate for women's rights in whatever way we can and empower women beginning here in AUN so that when we go out, we can share our knowledge and experiences with the world, gradually changing the world."
According to her, "the walk was really good, we all had fun, we created a fun chant and went around the school, gaining a lot of attention, which was the goal. The following event was extremely educational and important because many of us have no idea what breast cancer is or how to avoid it. Dr. Paul (Dogara, Director of AUN Health Center) and a nurse taught us about the signs, symptoms, and preventative measures, as well as how to perform a self-examination. It was a fantastic session!" Adeoti concluded.
The second-leading cause of death among women and the most prevalent invasive malignancy is breast cancer. With over 200,000 cases recorded annually, cancer is growing increasingly prevalent and lethal in Nigeria and across Africa. The condition can be degraded, but if it is not detected early enough, it becomes more difficult to treat.
Soma Wokemba another WLC member and a final-year law student shared her experience, describing it as impactful and interactive. "The walk was necessary to raise awareness because so many people are unaware of it and it is ravaging our friends, sisters, and mothers." Almost everyone knows someone who has battled breast cancer, but not everyone is well-informed about it. That being said, the WLC's goal is to raise awareness about breast cancer because, as the slogan goes. Early detection saves lives."
Members of the AUN community also showed their support for the club, the day, and everyone who has lost a loved one to breast cancer. Victor Ojokojo, a third-year student studying Entrepreneurship and Business Management, said he although he is not a member of the club, he came out to show his support because of the importance of the topic.
"The event went very well," Victor said. We were able to capture the attention of many people and convey our message; the walk was necessary to raise awareness of breast cancer and to provide support to those who are affected by it; it has sent a very strong message to those who are unaware. Early detection saves lives!! I hope that they will be able to expand and raise more awareness about breast cancer, as well as encourage many people to be more cautious." More information is available on their Instagram page, @wlcaun.
Reported by Isabelle Davies, Intern, Marketing and Communications Department