YOCAC Kogi Launches Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, Urges Early Detection
Members of the Youth Coalition Against Cancer, Kogi State chapter, during the Paint for Hope Against Cancer awareness programme.
The Kogi State chapter of the Youth Coalition Against Cancer (YOCAC) has launched a breast cancer awareness campaign aimed at promoting early detection, preventive healthcare and healthier lifestyles among residents of the state.
The campaign, launched through the Paint for Hope Against Cancer project, seeks to educate residents on cancer risks, encourage timely medical examinations and strengthen community participation in cancer prevention efforts.
In a statement issued by the chapter’s Media and Experience Officer, Yabagi Mohammed, the organisation said the inaugural programme brought members together to promote breast cancer awareness through creative expression and public health education.
Speaking during the event, the State Coordinator, Comrade Iliyasu Zakari, described the initiative as an important step towards addressing the growing burden of cancer and improving public understanding of the disease.
Zakari commended members for their participation and commitment, urging them to sustain efforts towards achieving the organisation’s objectives across Kogi State.
He stressed the need for collective action to ensure that breast cancer awareness campaigns reach communities, particularly young people who require accurate information about cancer risks, prevention and early detection.
The National Officer and National Spokesman of YOCAC, Babatunde Fanisi, reaffirmed the national body’s commitment to supporting the Kogi chapter in implementing its cancer education and prevention programmes.
Fanisi warned against the increasing social acceptance of shisha smoking among young people, noting that tobacco consumption increases the risk of several forms of cancer.
He encouraged residents to avoid tobacco products, maintain balanced diets, engage in regular physical exercise and seek reliable medical information.
The national spokesman also urged individuals to pay attention to persistent or unusual changes in their bodies and seek professional medical assessment when necessary.
Fanisi expressed satisfaction with the participation recorded during the chapter’s inaugural programme, describing the turnout as a demonstration of members’ commitment to the organisation’s objectives despite its volunteer-driven operations.
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy State Coordinator, Comrade Anthony Osagbemi, challenged the misconception that cancer predominantly affects people in foreign countries.
He noted that Nigerians, including residents of Kogi State, are equally vulnerable to different forms of cancer and require improved access to credible health information and preventive healthcare services.
Osagbemi expressed concern over deaths associated with cancer, particularly among young people, and called for stronger public education and timely medical intervention.
He advised residents to adopt healthier eating habits, pay attention to the quality and timing of their meals and incorporate regular physical activity into their daily routines.
The deputy coordinator further cautioned against relying on rumours, unverified remedies and self-medication when experiencing symptoms that may require medical attention.
He emphasised that early detection and appropriate treatment could improve outcomes for many cancer patients, urging residents to consult qualified healthcare professionals about suitable screening based on their age, sex, family history and other risk factors.
The breast cancer awareness campaign also highlighted the importance of collaboration among schools, families, healthcare professionals, community organisations and the media in addressing misconceptions surrounding cancer.
Participants were encouraged to promote accurate health information and support initiatives that improve public understanding of cancer prevention, screening and treatment.
A major highlight of the programme was an art session during which participants produced drawings depicting breast cancer awareness, prevention, hope and solidarity with people affected by the disease.
The creative exercise formed a central part of the Paint for Hope Against Cancer project, which the organisation intends to use to stimulate public conversations about cancer and encourage positive health behaviours.
YOCAC said the initiative marked the beginning of its awareness activities in Kogi State, with a focus on community engagement, cancer education and early detection.
The organisation called on residents to avoid tobacco use, embrace healthier lifestyles, seek timely medical attention and support community-based efforts aimed at reducing cancer risks.
Through the breast cancer awareness campaign, the chapter hopes to strengthen public participation in cancer prevention and encourage more residents to take informed decisions about their health.
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