Gloria Chinyere Okwu, Member at Catalyst NOW, Nigeria Chapter and Member of Abuja City Executive Committee at City Cancer Challenge, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Beyond Urban Pink Ribbons
At first, it seemed like a sleepy affair for me – this October. Until the last two weeks. My phone and emails buzzed with invitations to speak at events. Through my packed schedule; I was careful about being stressed yet excited to do what I love.
I spoke to a lot of people, granted interviews, had fun at fundraisers/walks and made valuable connections. Everywhere was pink, girlie and ‘tush’ Typical Pink October treats…and so much for a year that promised hail and brimstone!
However, speaking at a community in Durumi was the most humbling of all.
Most women invited knew little or nothing about breast cancer or Breast self exams. Some were not even sure of the reason for the gathering. They just showed up.
As the doctor Jimeta-Tuko spoke, they ‘awed, ‘ooooed’ and leaned forward in silent contemplation. Their questions; innocent yet probing.
‘When I remove my bra after a long day, I itch…is that normal?’
‘They say that chemotherapy kills, is it true?’
‘What if breast milk is coming out of my breast is it cancer?’
They were star struck as cancer survivors told their stories, encouraging them to get screened.
Their excitement was so rife I knew we didn’t even need to ask them to evangelize.Only the glitter in their eyes would make the other women jealous – their neighbors who went to collect rice at Eagle square instead. Clearly, the grapevine would majorly hold stories of breast cancer for the next few weeks.
I am also sure they would be good ambassadors of breast self exams.
There are people who need to be cancer aware and protected from myths. They are not in the urban areas where most cancer interventions thrive. They’re in local communities where people still think cancer is a white man’s disease, a curse, a disease of the old, a disease of the prayerless or simply non-existent.
Even though my pink october engagements have stretched into November, I think I already have my AHA moment.
Special thanks to JOI J. for her thoughtfulness and love for the community.
Well done.”
You can also read: Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection Saves Lives
