Ike Odoeme Foundation draws public’s attention on breast cancer …Harps on early detection

By EDISON Okereke

As a nongovernmental organisation, The Ike Odoeme Foundation (TIOF) has drawn the public’s attention to the scourge of the breast cancer in parts of Imo State, especially in the state capital of Owerri. In recognition of the ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month,’ the NGO has taken the campaign to a number of places predominantly inhabited and patronised by the womenfolk.

They visited Girls’ Secondary School, Ikenegbu, Owerri; visited breast cancer patients in local healthcare facilities, Corpus Christi Parish, Ihitte-Uboma, Imo Police Command, among other places.

As part of its approval, the Ministry of Health in the state, has given its nod for the foundation’s initiative in fighting the scourge in the state.

In a meeting between the foundation and the ministry, the commissioner, Prof Chukwuemeka Michael Ubaka noted the importance of the collaboration by stakeholders in promoting health education and early detection of the lethal disease.

At Girls’ Secondary School, Ikenegbu, the foundation engaged the students in informative discussions about breast cancer, as the team members emphasized the importance of the awareness, prevention, and early detection.

In addition, the foundation made a heartfelt donations of school supplies to the students, reinforcing their commitment to education and community support.

Following the school visit, the foundation took the opportunity to visit breast cancer patients in local health centre facilities, providing comfort and essential support to those undergoing treatment. The aim is to remind the patients that they are not alone in their fight against cancer.

At the Corpus Christi Parish, Ihitte-Uboma, the foundation entertained a significant cancer awareness talk, on a Sunday, where health officials of the foundation shared critical information on risk factors, and the importance of regular screenings for breast cancer.

Attendees were encouraged to spread the awareness within their communities, as this would help in the collective efforts to combat the disease.

Unrelentingly, The Ike Foundation also took the awareness campaign to the Imo State Police Command, where police women and other female staff were also educated on prevention and early detection of the breast cancer, and the need for extending the awareness within their networks for their colleagues’ benefits too.

With the almost door-to-door awareness campaigns aimed at empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge of the deadly scourge and its supportive succour for those affected, the foundation strongly believes that with collaborative efforts, “no one should face the breast cancer alone” any more.