The First lady of Ondo state, Mrs Betty Akeredolu has launched the state's chapter of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) as well as the investiture of its executives.
Members of the executive are Dr Oluwatoyin Ayimoro as Chairperson, Dr Johnson Olaniyi, Vice-Chairperson; Dr Onyema Emmanuel, Secretary; Mrs Bolaji Olekwu, Financial Secretary; Mrs Chinyere Iyke-Nneke,Welfare Secretary.
Others are Mrs Adekunle Margaret and Mrs Adeyemo Ikeyemi as Treasurer and Public Relations Officers, respectively.
The event which took place at AF event center, Ilesha-Owo road, Akure had in attendance the state Governor, arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu; Prof Friday Okonofua, Vice-Chancellor, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo Town; Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, The Deji of Akure.
Others include Mrs Juliet Ogbogu, BRECAN National President and the guest Speaker Dr Adewale Adisa, Senior Lecturer and Consultant Minimal Access Surgeon, O.A.U Teaching Hospital complex, Ile-Ife, Osun state.
In her opening remarks the BRECAN chairperson Ondo state chapter, Mrs Oluwatoyin Ayimoro stated that since the establishment of BRECAN in 1997, its objective has been centered on sensitization and awareness of breast cancer.
She said, "There are a total of 24.6 million inflicted persons worldwide and women in Africa run a higher risk twice as much than women in developed countries in the world".
This, according to her, hinges on reasons which usually include poorly funded medical centres and lack of government participation in the development of well equipped cancer treatment centres
In his lecture titled "Breast Cancer in Nigeria: The tragedy and hope", the Guest Speaker, Dr Adewale enumerated major symptoms of the deadly disease to include abnormal discharges, pain and lump growth around the breast region while urging women to take extra precautions because the abnormal cancer cells do not follow a pattern.
Treatment, according to him, ranges from Chemotherapy medicine to kill cancer cells and radiation therapy to destroy cancerous tissues before they spread.
He, however, noted increasing age, family history or genetics as risk factors. He urged all women to eat more of vegetables such as friuts, engage in physical exercise and limit the intake of alcohol.
The first lady in her remarks, commended the efforts of her team which she described as strong and dedicated with the readiness to eradicate the devastating spread of breast cancer through efforts in numerous ways.
Meanwhile, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu pledged his support to establish a well equipped cancer center in Ondo state.
Mrs Juliet Ogbogu, the National President of BRECAN expressed appreciation to the team and urged all to maintain a healthy life style stating that one of the goals of BRECAN was to see it established in other countries as well.
The event ended with a cultural display, playlet from BRECAN Oyo state chapter and donations from guests.
