The North-East Development Commission (NEDC), in collaboration with the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Bauchi State chapter, has screened no fewer than 1,000 women for breast and cervical cancers in Alkaleri Local Government Area (LGA), Bauchi State.

The exercise was the second phase conducted by NEDC and MWAN in 2025.

Umma-Hani Jafaru, president of MWAN, Bauchi State, on Saturday, described breast and cervical cancers as major public health concerns and leading causes of mortality among women globally and in Nigeria.

“The screening was part of an ongoing NEDC-sponsored programme covering all six states of the North-East.

“The states included: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe.

“Aside the screening programmes, MWAN is also embarking on advocacy visits and awareness campaigns to enlighten women and children on the disease,” she added.

According to her, Nigeria records about 12,000 cervical cancer cases annually, out of which nearly 8,000 women die, adding that globally, a woman dies from the disease every two minutes.

Ms Jafaru highlighted the World Health Organisation’s 90-70-90 targets aimed at reducing cervical cancer, urging increased vaccination, screening and treatment uptake.

Also speaking, Mohammed  Ali, NEDC health desk officer in Bauchi State, said the commission embarked on the screening due to the rising cancer cases across the region.

He reaffirmed NEDC’s commitment to improving healthcare services for women, adding that early detection was key to survival.

Habiba Isma’il, president, National Cancer Society, Bauchi State chapter, expressed concern over the late presentation of cancer cases.

She advised women to conduct monthly breast self-examination and undergo regular Pap-smear tests for better health outcomes.

Ms Isma’il urged women to seek medical attention for any abnormalities in the breast and other human systems.

A cross-section of the beneficiaries appreciated the gesture, adding that similar outreach efforts should be conducted for women in the remote areas of the region.

(NAN)