A General Surgeon and Specialist in Surgical Oncology at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi State, Dr Adamu Ningi, has urged women to take care of their breasts and share them with their partners and children as a way of preventing breast cancer.

Dr. Ningi gave this advice on Sunday in Bauchi during the 2023 breast cancer awareness day and 5-kilometer walk organized by BIK Foundation in collaboration with Alheri YS Foundation, VC Jones Care Foundation, and AABA Life Foundation.

The theme of the 2023 Breast Cancer Awareness Day is ‘Let Hope Light the Way, Walk Against Breast Cancer’.

Ningi said that breastfeeding and regular breast examinations by the husband were effective ways of detecting and preventing breast cancer.

“My sisters, please breastfeed your babies. Your breast is not only for you, it is the only organ in your body that belongs to three people.

“It belongs to you, your child, and your husband.

“So, give your child breast milk, let your husband touch and feel your breast, and see if there is anything abnormal. These two people will help you to prevent breast cancer.

“Breastfeeding also protects you from breast cancer. The more you breastfeed your baby, the better the protection, and the longer you breastfeed, the longer the protection,” he said.

The doctor also encouraged women to get married early, preferably between the ages of 24 and 25 years, and start having children, explaining that the last five months of pregnancy protect the breast from breast cancer.

At the end of the 5-kilometre awareness walk, Mr Ibrahim Kashim, the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government and the Founder of BIK Foundation, said that facilities had been provided for women to be screened for the disease.

This is as he called on Non-Governmental Organisations to come up with more activities throughout the year to reach out to communities and screen them to ensure early detection of the disease for proper treatment.