The CEO of Bamsat Nigeria Limited, Engr Margaret Oguntala, has described engineering as a stimulant for development and technology in the fight against breast cancer.
She made the statement at the Breast Cancer Awareness programme organised by the Egbin-Ikorodu chapter of the Nigerian Society of Engineers in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Mechanical Engineers yesterday at Club House, Egbin Power Plant Plc.
While at the event, tagged ‘Impact of community-based educational intervention on breast cancer and its screening awareness’, Engr. Margaret -who is the special guest of honour- believed that more action needs to be taken to sensitise people on the dangers of breast cancer and necessary steps to take, considering the recent increase in the number of breast cancer cases.
Miss Oluwanishola Akapo, a stage-3 breast cancer survivor shared her experience at the event. She also sensitised participants on the importance of frequent medical checkups and care. She revealed that she “faced a lot of criticism and stigma from people” after her surgery which affected her mental health.
She said, “People stopped coming to patronize me in my workplace and even my interns left and this really affected my mental health but my faith, family and friends really helped me out.”
Miss Akapo also revealed that the word “Cancer” is something people always avoid talking about during conversations. She, however, describe it as deadly, stating that only prompt action and treatment can save lives against the menace.
The co-host and Chairman of the Nigerian Institute for Mechanical Engineers, Mrs Oduwa Agboneni suggested that creating an avenue for early detection is key to the initiative.
She said, “According to statistics, one out of every 8 women is diagnosed with cancer so the driving force of this initiative is to create an avenue for early detection.”
“It is when you are healthy that you have a sane mind and can perform your daily activities well. So this is a platform to know your health status and steps you can take to be healthier.”
She further urged the national body of engineers to adopt the initiative, which was created by the Egbin Chapter, as an annual project and contribute to the general fight against breast cancer in the country.
