The Jigawa State Government says plans are underway to establish breast cancer screening centres across the state as part of efforts to enhance early detection and treatment of the disease.
The announcement was made by the wife of the state governor, Hajiya Amina Umar Namadi, during an event to mark the 2025 World Breast Cancer Awareness Month held at the NYSC headquarters in Dutse.
Hajiya Amina, who led a health awareness walk organized by the Hamdan Kasirab Civic Women Assistance Foundation in collaboration with the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Jigawa Chapter, emphasized the need for women to prioritize their health through regular screening.
The campaign, themed ‘Every Story Matters, Every Story is Unique’, aimed to sensitize women on the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to reduce deaths caused by breast cancer.
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The event featured a public lecture delivered by medical experts who highlighted preventive measures and the roles of families and communities in combating the disease, which continues to claim thousands of lives globally every year.
In her remarks, Hajiya Amina Namadi urged women to visit nearby health facilities for regular medical check-ups and to seek immediate attention if they notice any unusual changes in their breasts.
She noted that the present administration under Governor Umar Namadi has upgraded over 180 primary healthcare facilities, along with several secondary and tertiary health institutions, to improve access to quality healthcare across the state.
“We will continue to collaborate with the federal government, development partners, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about breast cancer and ensure that every woman in Jigawa and beyond can access affordable medical care,” she said.
A medical expert, Dr. Halima Hashim, who spoke at the event, identified heredity, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, and poor diet as some of the major risk factors for breast cancer.
She emphasized on the importance of early detection through routine screening as a key strategy for effective management and survival.
