COPE, partners renew war against breast cancer

By Job Osazuwa
The mortality rate arising from cancer in Nigeria has become worrisome to all. The dreaded disease constitutes a major obstacle to human development, thereby affecting productivity at the detriment of the country’s economy.
The  Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (COPE), in joint collaboration with Variant Advisory, Access Bank, Citi Bank, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Union Bank Plc, Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA) and Skye Bank, has launched a new cancer awareness campaign programme.
The Executive Director of COPE, Ebun Anozie, said the initiative would take the nation a step closer in achieving early detection and prevention of breast cancer.
Anozie, who spoke during the launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Network Wall of Fame in Lagos, said other areas to focus include reduction of breast cancer mortality rate, increase in political commitment for breast cancer prevention and control, equal opportunity in accessing screening regardless of their location and socio-economic status.
Said he: “The perception that cancer is a death sentence will be a thing of the past. The general public will be better enlightened on the importance of early detection.
“Since we are avid champions of improved lives for all Nigerian men and women, we are assertive and believe that being proactive is a lot cheaper than being reactive. Most importantly, knowledge is power, hence the need for early diagnosis and treatment leading to an increased survival rate cannot be overemphasized.”
On Breast Cancer Awareness Network Wall of Fame, she said it was open to every company or organisation with a donation of N1 million or more for breast cancer screening, treatment and awareness, which would launch the company or organisation to earn a place in the wall of fame.
She explained that the fund would be changed into vouchers, which are given out by the company or organisation to women who are directed to see COPE.
“When they come to our facility, they receive free breast cancer screening, which has been paid for by the donors. If a woman doesn’t have the voucher, she can have the screening at a subsidised rate. Organisations, like LASSA, Access Bank, Union Bank, Citi Bank, Variant Advisory, Lagos State Ministry of Health are already on the wall of fame.”
Head, Strategic Brand Management, Skye Bank, Mr. Nduneche Ezurike, said the bank was excited to be part of the initiative and described it as an honour.
“You don’t need to have a cancer patient before you support. I hope that the initiative will outlive all of us. We have supported this initiative for the past 10 years and have touched the lives of 15, 000 women. We encourage our staff to do breast cancer screening,” he said.