Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: Late presentation of cancer is a significant barrier in Nigeria

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Last Month I visited the Kuje community in Abuja, where I had the chance to speak with over 70 women about the signs and symptoms of breast and cervical cancer.

Late presentation of cancer is a significant barrier in Nigeria, as is a lack of awareness and poor access to screening services. During the outreach, we demonstrated self-breast examinations and self-sampling for cervical screening.

Token palliatives were distributed to the women. This practice encourages them and the cost for such should always be built into programs.

This hands-on approach educates and empowers women to take proactive steps in cancer prevention and early detection. To provide continued care, we invited the women (and some of their children) to the Medicaid Radio Diagnostics and Clinic to follow up on the medical problems they shared.

In many societies, cultural beliefs and practices significantly influence health-seeking behaviors. Engaging communities at the grassroots level builds a sense of self-responsibility and gives

The women I met had several questions about the HPV vaccine, which we addressed and dispelled misconceptions.

Advocacy at this level is the heartbeat of meaningful change.”

Proceed to the video attached to the post.
Source: Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu/LinkedIn

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Her Excellency Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is a global cancer advocate, a pediatrician, a UICC Board Member, Founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, and the Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC).

Dr. Bagudu is working with the state ministries of health, education, and women affairs to implement programs to sustainably improve menstrual hygiene, girl-child education, economic empowerment of women, and put an end to gender-based violence. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is a member of the Editorial Board of OncoDaily.