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Elizabeth Ugwoma Awo-Ejeh: Advocating for Post-Treatment Care and Support for Cancer Survivors in Nigeria

Elizabeth Ugwoma Awo-Ejeh/X

Jan 14, 2025, 13:31

Elizabeth Ugwoma Awo-Ejeh: Advocating for Post-Treatment Care and Support for Cancer Survivors in Nigeria

Elizabeth Ugwoma Awo-Ejeh, Advocate for Early Detection and Women’s Empowerment, posted on LinkedIn:

“Advocating for Post-Treatment Care and Support for Cancer Survivors in Nigeria.

Life after cancer treatment is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities for growth. For many survivors, cancer not only changes their health but also impacts every aspect of their lives, requiring immense sacrifice and resilience. In Nigeria, I have interacted with cancer survivors who shared heart-wrenching stories of being abandoned by their spouses, losing their jobs because employers deemed them too weak to continue, and being ostracized even by family members. These experiences reveal the pressing need for more structured support systems to help survivors rebuild their lives.

Sadly, there are limited empowerment programs, post-treatment care, or psychological support for cancer survivors. Many are left to figure out life on their own, facing unemployment, lingering side effects like fatigue and weight loss, and the stress of managing tight medical schedules. For single parents, the burden of care for their children becomes even heavier, adding to the emotional and financial strain.

To address these challenges, the government must prioritize post-treatment care and support for cancer survivors. This includes creating empowerment programs, offering job opportunities tailored to their abilities, providing access to affordable healthcare, and establishing post-traumatic care initiatives. Survivors need spaces where they can share their experiences, heal, and regain their confidence.

Despite these struggles, many survivors have shown incredible resilience and determination. They’ve turned their pain into purpose, becoming advocates for awareness and hope. Their stories remind us that life after cancer, though difficult, can also be a chance to redefine oneself and inspire others. To every survivor out there, remember that your journey matters. You are stronger than you know, and your story can light the path for someone else. Together, we can build a future where no survivor is left to navigate life alone.”