By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
The Alheri-YS Foundation, in partnership with the Bauchi State Government and civil society organisations (CSOs), has intensified efforts to combat breast cancer stigma and promote early detection through a five-kilometre awareness walk and medical outreach in Bauchi metropolis.
The campaign, organised to mark the 2026 World Breast Cancer Day, brought together public health stakeholders and advocacy groups to sensitise residents on the importance of early screening, timely treatment and improved access to healthcare for women.
Participants marched along major routes from Destination Hotel to the Government House, Bauchi, using the exercise to encourage women to prioritise their health and seek medical attention whenever they notice unusual changes in their breasts.
The fifth edition of the initiative was held under the theme, “Let Hope Light the Way,” emphasising the message that early detection and appropriate medical intervention can improve breast cancer treatment outcomes.
Speaking during the exercise, the Programme Officer of Alheri-YS Foundation, Habiba Hassan, described the awareness walk as a call to action against the misconceptions and stigma surrounding breast cancer.
She stressed that early screening, prompt medical intervention and adequate social support were essential to saving lives and improving the wellbeing of affected women.
Hassan urged members of the public to abandon the belief that a breast cancer diagnosis automatically amounts to a death sentence, noting that timely detection and appropriate treatment could significantly improve patients’ chances of survival.
She also emphasised the need to create a supportive environment where women could freely discuss their health concerns and access medical services without fear of discrimination or stigmatisation.
The programme officer commended the Bauchi State Government, the Ministry of Health and the participating civil society organisations for their commitment to public health awareness and advocacy.
She noted that partnerships between government agencies, non-governmental organisations and community stakeholders were crucial to expanding public education, encouraging regular screening and ensuring that women affected by breast cancer received adequate care and support.
Organisations that participated in the campaign included the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Bauchi Chapter; Wunti Alkhairi Foundation; Behind Marygift Walls Foundation; Vic Jones Care Foundation; Made4More Empowerment Foundation; Abba Life Foundation; and Gima Charity Foundation.
The initiative underscored the importance of collective action in addressing breast cancer, particularly through public education, early detection and efforts to eliminate the stigma that prevents some women from seeking timely medical care.
