Picture: Lawyers in Awka Branch of Nigeria Bar Association during the Walk-for-Life Cancer awarenesses weekend
By Egbuna Mujekwu, Onitsha
Lawyers under the Nigeria Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF), Awka Branch, have embarked on a Walk-for-Life campaign to raise cancer awareness and promote early detection through screening for men and women.
The awareness walk, involving members from Awka, Aguata and Anaocha, was part of activities leading to the October 31 cancer awareness programme. It aimed to encourage regular health checks, healthy living and timely medical intervention.
The participants marched from the NBA Awka Branch through Kwata Expressway, UNIZIK Junction, Arthur Eze Avenue and Gbalimgba/Eke Awka Junction before returning to the NBA Bar Centre.
Early Detection Can Save Lives-Anagor
Speaking during the exercise, the Chairman of NBA Awka Branch, Barrister Nnamdi Anagor, said the walk followed a cancer awareness and sensitisation programme held on October 10 at the Ozo Amanke Okafor Bar Centre, Awka.
He explained that the initiative was designed to combine physical exercise with cancer awareness while encouraging people, particularly women, to adopt healthier lifestyles.
“Physical exercise is key because it reduces the risk of some cancers. Everybody should get involved in regular physical activity,” Anagor said.
He added that participants would help spread the message across families, workplaces, schools, churches and communities.
Anagor urged people to take cancer prevention seriously, noting that men should pay particular attention to prostate health.
“Cancer is here with us, and we need to create awareness on how to deal with it.
Every man is at risk of prostate cancer
Whatever the cause, whether lifestyle or genetic, we should go for early tests, especially from the age of 40 and above,” he said.
He also advised people to pay attention to their diets, practise moderation in food consumption and follow the recommendations of qualified doctors and health professionals.
NBA Women Forum Offers Free Cancer Screening
Earlier, the Facilitator of the NBA Women Forum, Barrister Obianuju Nwakpadolu, said the free cervical cancer screening initiative was open to the public and not restricted to members of the association.
Nwakpadolu explained that the screening, which could cost about ₦50,000 outside the programme, was being offered free of charge to encourage more people to ascertain their health status.
“Health is life, and health is wealth. We should avoid cancer where possible and reduce its risks through regular medical check-ups,” she said.
She urged women to conduct regular breast self-examinations and seek medical attention whenever they notice unusual changes, including lumps.
The NBAWF facilitator also encouraged women to take responsibility for their health by undergoing appropriate screening and seeking professional medical advice.
Addressing concerns about diet, Nwakpadolu dismissed as a fallacy the blanket claim that red meat causes cancer, while encouraging eligible individuals to discuss appropriate cancer-prevention measures, including vaccination, with qualified health professionals.
She further called on female lawyers to embrace regular physical exercise, noting that it contributes to general wellbeing, mental alertness and career development.
The initiative underscores the importance of public education, routine screening and early medical intervention in the fight against cancer.
Tags: #CancerAwareness #EarlyDetection #NBA
