…Shares emotional moment with cancer patient and her teenage son, urges Nigerians to embrace early detection
Former First Lady of Ondo State and founder of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has recounted an emotional encounter with a woman battling breast cancer during a visit to St. Mulumba Catholic Parish, Owerri, Imo State.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who has survived breast cancer for more than 29 years, described the encounter as deeply moving, using the experience to reiterate her message that a breast cancer diagnosis should not be regarded as an automatic death sentence.
The visit took place on Sunday, October 18, 2026, following an invitation from the parish priest, Reverend Father Raymond Kojo Madu, who provided her with an opportunity to educate members of the congregation, particularly women, on breast cancer awareness, early detection and timely medical intervention.
She was accompanied by members of the Ada Owere Campaign Organisation.
According to her, one of the most touching moments of the visit was meeting a woman who had been living with breast cancer for three years.
A particularly emotional moment occurred when the woman introduced her teenage son, who had accompanied her to church.
Offering words of encouragement, Anyanwu-Akeredolu reminded the woman of the importance of hope, family support and the need to continue living meaningfully while undergoing treatment.
She also shared practical advice on healthy living, including balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, emotional well-being and the importance of connecting with support organisations such as BRECAN.
The encounter, she explained, reinforced her determination to continue sharing her personal experience to encourage people affected by breast cancer and help them overcome fear, isolation and stigma.
How a Personal Battle Became a Lifelong Mission
A survivor of breast cancer since 1997, Anyanwu-Akeredolu disclosed that her experience with the disease inspired her to establish BRECAN to educate the public, promote early detection and support those facing similar challenges.
Now more than 29 years into her survival journey, she has continued to champion breast cancer awareness through community outreach, advocacy and public education.
Her message, she stressed, remains consistent: early detection, prompt medical assessment and appropriate treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
She cautioned, however, that breast cancer affects individuals differently and that survival depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the disease and access to appropriate treatment.
‘My Visit Was Not About Politics’
While introducing herself to the congregation, Anyanwu-Akeredolu identified herself as Mgboto Emeabiam, a daughter of Emeabiam who holds the traditional titles Ada Emeabiam II and Ada Owere I.
She acknowledged that her signature cap had become widely associated with her candidacy for the House of Representatives, Owerri Federal Constituency.
However, she clarified that her visit to the parish was not a political campaign but an opportunity to promote a health message capable of saving lives.
She explained that her relationship with Reverend Father Madu began when she approached him while seeking a venue for Jog for Life Owerri 2026, BRECAN’s annual outdoor awareness event organised to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, popularly known as Pink October.
The Warning Every Family Needs to Hear
During her address, the breast cancer advocate urged Nigerians to pay attention to unusual breast changes and seek medical evaluation without delay.
She identified warning signs such as new lumps in the breast or armpit, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple changes and unusual discharge.
She emphasised that not every breast lump is cancerous, but any new or unusual change should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
She also warned against misconceptions that associate breast cancer with spiritual attacks or lack of faith, stressing that misinformation and fear can discourage people from seeking timely medical care.
Although breast cancer predominantly affects women, she reminded the congregation that men can also develop the disease.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu further called on churches to become active partners in breast cancer awareness by organising health education programmes, encouraging medical assessment and providing practical and emotional support to affected families.
A Message of Hope Beyond Pink October
Expressing gratitude to Reverend Father Madu for the opportunity to address the congregation, she also appreciated members of the Ada Owere Campaign Organisation who accompanied her.
She maintained that breast cancer awareness should not be limited to October but should remain a continuous public health responsibility.
For Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the encounter with the cancer patient and her teenage son was a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a person, a family and a future worth fighting for.
She urged Nigerians to replace stigma with compassion, fear with knowledge, and silence with open conversations about breast health.
Her message remains clear: breast cancer is not necessarily a death sentence, and nobody should have to face the disease alone.
Early detection. Timely treatment. Hope. Life.
Discover more from NATIONAL BEAM
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
