The president of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Safiyyah Hassan, has urged women to overcome fear and complacency by prioritising breast cancer screening and seeking early medical attention.

Mrs Hassan also called on military families to seek mental health support without shame or stigma, stressing that physical and emotional well-being deserved equal attention.

She made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the 2026 NAOWA Breast Cancer and Mental Health Awareness Programme, organised to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month and World Mental Health Day.

To underscore the importance of early detection, Mrs Hassan narrated the story of a woman who nearly ignored a minor bodily change because it caused little pain.

She said a friend’s intervention encouraged the woman to seek medical attention, leading to early detection and timely treatment with the support of family and friends.

“Behind every diagnosis is a person. Behind every person is a family, and behind every family is a story,” she said.

Mrs Hassan said breast cancer could affect more than physical health, impacting a woman’s confidence, family relationships and future.

She also highlighted the mental health challenges confronting military families, noting that personnel operate under demanding conditions while their families contend with anxiety, responsibilities and emotional pressures.

“For military families, these issues deserve particular attention,” she said.

The NAOWA president urged the military community to create an environment where no one felt weak or ashamed for seeking psychological support.

She encouraged participants to promote regular medical screening, share accurate health information and support people experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties.

“Sometimes supporting someone does not require perfect words or solutions. It simply means being present, listening without judgment, and reminding that person that they are not alone,” she said.

Mrs Hassan challenged participants to build a culture in which breast cancer screening was embraced rather than feared and seeking mental health support was regarded as wisdom rather than weakness.

She urged women to encourage their mothers, sisters, daughters, colleagues and friends to take their health seriously and seek medical attention whenever they noticed unusual changes.

The NAOWA president appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of Nigerian Army families.

She also commended the panellists, mental health experts and facilitators for contributing to efforts to strengthen health awareness and family support.

Mrs Hassan urged participants to ensure that fear, stigma and silence did not prevent anyone from seeking help, stressing the importance of compassion, early intervention and sustained community support.

The awareness discussion, led by Uchechukwu Shagaya, chairperson of the NAOWA Health Committee, featured medical experts who highlighted the importance of early detection, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment of breast cancer.

The discussants included Feyisayo Daji, chief consultant radiologist at the National Hospital, Abuja; Emmanuella Nwachukwu, senior consultant radiation and clinical oncologist; Haleemah Abdullahi, registered oncology nurse and Rabi Isiaka-Yusuf, family physician.

Their contributions highlighted the role of medical screening, professional guidance and coordinated care in supporting women through diagnosis and treatment.

On mental health, Olusegun Shoyombo, consultant psychiatrist, addressed the importance of recognising psychological difficulties and seeking professional support without stigma.

Nneoma Ndukwe, a breast cancer survivor, also participated in the discussion, bringing a survivor’s perspective to the awareness campaign.

Brig.-Gen. Abraham Ayeni, Commander of the NAOWA Command Hospital, contributed to the broader discussion on healthcare and the well-being of military families. 

(NAN)