Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, founder of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), has called on women to prioritise healthy living, breast awareness and early medical intervention to improve their chances of surviving breast cancer.
Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu made the call while speaking at a one-day women’s conference organised by the Women of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, on Saturday.
Speaking on the topic, “Facing Cancer with Strength: Understanding Prevention, Early Detection and Hope,” under the theme, “The Source of Our Strength,” she stressed the importance of accurate health information, timely medical attention and support for women affected by cancer.
A breast cancer survivor of more than 29 years, Anyanwu-Akeredolu shared her personal experience with the disease and explained how it inspired her to establish BRECAN in 1997 to promote awareness, encourage early detection and provide support for affected women.
She noted that breast cancer was rarely discussed openly in Nigeria when she founded the organisation, adding that sustained awareness efforts were necessary to dispel misconceptions, reduce stigma and encourage women to seek medical attention when they noticed unusual changes in their breasts.
According to her, a breast cancer diagnosis should not be regarded as an automatic death sentence, as timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and adequate support can significantly improve outcomes.
The BRECAN founder also encouraged women to adopt healthier dietary habits, including eating more fruits, vegetables, beans and bean-based foods such as moi-moi, while reducing their consumption of refined sugar and highly processed foods.
She explained that a balanced diet, combined with regular physical activity, was an important part of maintaining overall health.
However, she cautioned against the assumption that any single dietary change could prevent or cure cancer, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to personal health.
Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu further urged the women to incorporate regular exercise into their routines, suggesting that they organise monthly group exercise sessions to promote physical fitness, strengthen relationships and foster unity among members.
A major highlight of the conference was her practical demonstration of breast self-examination, during which she guided participants on how to become familiar with the normal appearance and feel of their breasts.
She encouraged women to pay attention to unusual changes and seek prompt medical assessment when necessary.
While stressing the value of breast awareness, she noted that self-examination was not a substitute for recommended screening or professional medical evaluation.
She also urged participants to extend the knowledge acquired at the conference to their families and communities, particularly their daughters, sisters, friends and neighbours.
Speaking on her breast cancer e-book, Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu said the publication was designed to provide practical information for survivors, caregivers, families and others seeking to understand the disease.
She encouraged the women to obtain and share the resource to help improve access to reliable information and support informed decisions about breast health.
The conference also featured a recognition ceremony in which the BRECAN founder was decorated with a sash bearing the title, “Unique Mother of H.T.C. Nekede,” and presented with a piece of ankara fabric.
Expressing appreciation for the recognition, she commended the women of the church for organising the conference and creating an opportunity for learning, interaction and the promotion of women’s health.
She called for sustained breast cancer awareness campaigns in churches, workplaces, homes and communities, stressing that the responsibility of saving lives through accurate information should extend beyond designated awareness periods.
Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu reaffirmed the importance of supporting women living with cancer with compassion and understanding rather than stigmatising them.
She reiterated the message that has underpinned her advocacy over the years: “Awareness Saves Lives.”
