The Benue Government on Monday said it would provide free breast cancer treatment to some selected patients across the three senatorial zones of the state.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Joseph Ngbea, stated this during a cancer awareness walk in Makurdi, organized by the state chapter of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria and the Nigeria Medical Association.
This is contained in a statement on Monday by Dr. Tongriang Ben-Ameh, President MWAN, Benue chapter.
The commissioner said that the patients would be selected from each of the three senatorial districts for free breast cancer treatment.
Ngbea commended the medical associations for organizing the event to raise awareness of breast cancer and the need for women to go for regular checks in hospitals.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the wife of the state Governor, Mrs. Eunice Ortom, commended MWAN for their relentless efforts in fighting the breast cancer scourge.
She reiterated her commitment to fighting the disease and providing support to patients.
Mrs. Ortom was represented by the Programme Manager, Eunice Spring of Life Foundation, Mr. Tine Agenor.
Also, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, represented by Assistant Director of Women Affairs, Mrs. Magdelene Andor, pledged the support of the ministry to the awareness campaign on breast cancer.
Earlier, the President of MWAN in Benue, Dr. Tongriang Ben-Ameh said women should learn about self-examination of breast cancer and visit hospitals for screening.
NAN reports that Ben-Ameh enlightened the hundreds of people who took part in the walk on the risk factors, symptoms, and signs of breast cancer.
She said that during the one-week awareness campaign, breast cancer survivors told their stories and those who lost their lives to breast cancer were remembered and honored.
NAN also reports that in a global effort to raise awareness of breast cancer, October was designated as the Pink Month to increase awareness and support for early detection and treatment.
