NAWOJ Urges Enhanced Cancer Screening, Access to Save Lives

By Asile Abel, Jos

As the world marks Cancer Awareness Month, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Plateau State Chapter, has called for urgent, coordinated action to improve cancer screening and accessibility across Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its chairperson, Grace Akwe Gotip, NAWOJ highlighted cancer as a pressing public health challenge, claiming thousands of lives annually due to late detection and limited access to quality healthcare.

“Knowledge is the primary catalyst for saving lives,” Gotip declared. “As women journalists, we are committed to using our platforms to educate, sensitize, and inspire proactive health-seeking behavior among citizens.”

She stressed that early detection is the most effective way to improve survival rates, particularly for breast and cervical cancers, which are leading causes of preventable deaths among Nigerian women. Gotip urged women, especially in rural areas, to utilize available screening opportunities.

NAWOJ called on government agencies, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and the private sector to bolster efforts to ensure accessible, affordable, and consistent cancer screening and treatment services across Plateau State.

The association emphasized that collaboration and sustained public health communication are vital in combating the “silent killer.” It also extended support to cancer survivors, describing them as symbols of resilience and hope.

“The fight against cancer demands a unified approach,” Gotip said. “We remain steadfast in promoting awareness, healthy living, and ensuring no woman’s well-being is overlooked. Together, we can make early detection and prevention a cultural practice.”

The Plateau State Chapter of NAWOJ reaffirmed its commitment to advocacy through media campaigns, health education programs, and partnerships aimed at reducing cancer-related deaths and improving women’s access to healthcare.

Cancer, characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells, can invade nearby tissues and organs if not detected and treated early, often proving fatal. Globally, it remains a leading cause of mortality, and in Nigeria, its burden is rising, particularly among women, underscoring the urgency of NAWOJ’s call to action.