Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: The Role of Women’s Groups in Cancer Education

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu shared on LinkedIn:

“Historically, women tend to congregate themselves in groups with common interests. Using social events, they address issues that affect themselves, families, communities, and careers. We form groups along the lines of career, religion, politics, psychosocial support, and empowerment. I belong to many, Women in Healthcare Network, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, MWAN Lagos, Women in Business, Women in Dawaah, etc. We hardly hear of men in healthcare or men in business. These female groups gives us the opportunity to learn, co-create, and impact many aspects of our lives and community.

In the course of my career, I have found these groups useful platforms to circulate preventative messages on cancer prevention.

In light of this, I joined the weekly meeting of the ECWA (Evangelical Church Winning All) Church Utako Women’s group meeting, where we engaged in vital conversations and demonstrations on the signs and symptoms of breast and cervical cancer. The importance of awareness at this micro level is helpful in the fight against these cancers.

Without awareness, communities remain vulnerable, unable to take proactive steps that could potentially save lives through early detection.

During our session, we incorporated hands-on demonstrations, teaching the women how to conduct self-breast exams and perform self-sampling for cervical screenings which will create a ripple effect of informed behaviors within their families and communities. This approach is crucial in order to reduce the stigma around cancer and dispel harmful myths, ultimately shifting the narrative from fear and fatalism to prevention, early intervention, and hope.

Grassroots awareness campaigns can be transformative in building a culture of regular screening and early action, paving the way for more effective cancer control across the country.

I know my passion, I am constantly expanding my tribe. What is yours? Find your passion, identify your tribe, and marvel at the growth it will bring.”

Source: Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu/LinkedIn 

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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.