Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN)
is a leading a not-for-profit and non-governmental organisation galvanising
action against breast cancer in Nigeria. Founded in 1997 by Betty
Anyanwu-Akeredolu, a breast cancer survivor herself, BRECAN is increasingly
improving the lives of many touched by breast cancer who would have succumbed to
the disease due to ignorance and lack of support. She was inspired by the
strength gained from her traumatic experience and the indifference surrounding
the disease. Quoting her ��. my experience of shattering loneliness,
unavailability of information and group support coupled with �tight-lip
syndrome� and indifference surrounding the disease so stirred me that I was
inspired to do something that will bring about a positive and lasting change in
the attitude of breast cancer victims themselves and the Nigerian society toward
breast cancer and sufferers. click here to read Her
story
Today, BRECAN is encouraged
that its programmes are sensitizing the Nigerian public. Consequent upon the use
of awareness creation as an entry point in the fight against breast cancer, more
victims are coming out, seeking information and support. Breast cancer,
hitherto, discussed in hushed tones is now a topic widely featured on the
electronic media. Our innovative activity ,�Jog for Life� is succeeding in
breaking down walls of secrecy and stigmatisation as survivors showcase that
there is life after breast cancer. Though, regrettably, the absence of a
national policy on cancer has left cancer patients basically on their own,
BRECAN has demonstrated that a helping hand, no matter how small, can make a
difference in lives of cancer patients and their families. With the
collaboration of Radiotherapy Department, University College Hospital (UCH),
Ibadan the Association provides emotional and informational support to patients
and family members at a Tuesday weekly counselling session. Given that it is not
within the scope of the Association to sponsor patient treatment, yet some very
need patients are assisted from the paltry proceeds generated internally.
Furthermore, the Association in collaboration with a volunteer team of
consultants led by Mr. O.O. Akute (FRCS � Fellow Royal College of Surgeons) at
UCH surgical out-patient unit, has made a breakthrough in creating access for
women to have clinical breast examination free of charge.
With democracy in place,
hopefully, BRECAN is working on enlisting the participation of female
legislators in the National Assembly. Noting that breast cancer is a disease
that has a woman�s face and respects no social status, there is need to nudge
them to rise up to their responsibilities as women politicians with a focus.
Together we can create an unstoppable force in the National Assembly pushing for
passage of bills that will compel our government to place breast cancer on
national agenda. It is our hope that all these actions and many more to come
will pave the way to ending the regime of breast cancer as a life threatening
disease in Nigeria.
Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN)
is a leading a not-for-profit and non-governmental organisation galvanising
action against breast cancer in Nigeria. Founded in 1997 by Betty
Anyanwu-Akeredolu, a breast cancer survivor herself, BRECAN is increasingly
improving the lives of many touched by breast cancer who would have succumbed to
the disease due to ignorance and lack of support. She was inspired by the
strength gained from her traumatic experience and the indifference surrounding
the disease. Quoting her ��. my experience of shattering loneliness,
unavailability of information and group support coupled with �tight-lip
syndrome� and indifference surrounding the disease so stirred me that I was
inspired to do something that will bring about a positive and lasting change in
the attitude of breast cancer victims themselves and the Nigerian society toward
breast cancer and sufferers. 