Hundreds of young men and women have held a “Progress in Pink Walk” to raise awareness in Nigeria on breast cancer.
The walk was organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The four-kilometre walk, themed “Walk for Hope, Walk for Life,” commenced at The Nest Resource Centre, Abuja, where the participants advocated for early detection, timely medical intervention and instilling hope for those affected by the disease.
The campaign formed part of a global effort to increase awareness, promote prevention and support individuals and families impacted by the disease.
The exercise held at the weekend was led by APC national youth leader, Dr Dayo Israel, who stressed the need for self-awareness and prompt action in the fight against breast cancer.
He said, “We joined the fight against childhood and adolescent cancer, commending President Bola Tinubu’s administration as Nigeria’s first to significantly invest in cancer eradication. The 2025 budget represents the highest allocation for diagnosis and treatment we have ever seen. It’s vital for women to understand their bodies and seek immediate medical advice if they notice any irregularities. Awareness and early detection can save lives.”
The minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, praised the APC Youth Wing for its commitment to public health advocacy.
He said eight of 10 breast cancer cases in Nigeria are always diagnosed at a late stage and urged the citizens to prioritise regular health check-ups, maintain healthy lifestyles and embrace preventive care measures.
The president of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, said the disease accounts for 40-50% of all cancer cases in Nigeria and called for a community-based approach to cancer awareness.
He lauded the APC Youth Wing for mobilising young people to drive positive change within their communities.
The “Progress in Pink Walk” ended with free health screenings and a collective pledge from participants to advocate for early detection, routine screenings, and healthy living practices. The organisers reiterated that through awareness, unity and collaborative efforts, Nigerians can make significant strides in the fight against breast cancer.
