By Atlantic Reports

The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) has urged women to prioritise breast cancer screening and seek medical attention for unusual bodily changes, while calling for stronger mental health support for military families.

NAOWA President, Dr Safiyyah Hassan, made the appeal in Abuja on Saturday at the association’s 2026 Breast Cancer and Mental Health Awareness Programme, held to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month and World Mental Health Day.

She said fear, stigma and silence should not prevent people from seeking care, stressing that physical and emotional wellbeing deserved equal attention.

Encouraging women to seek care

Hassan recounted the experience of a woman who nearly dismissed a minor bodily change because it caused little pain. According to her account, a friend encouraged the woman to seek medical attention, leading to early detection and timely treatment, supported by family and friends.

“Behind every diagnosis is a person. Behind every person is a family, and behind every family is a story,” she said.

Hassan noted that breast cancer could affect confidence, family relationships and expectations for the future, alongside its physical effects.

She encouraged women to take their health seriously and extend that encouragement to their mothers, sisters, daughters, colleagues and friends.

Participants, she said, should promote screening, share accurate health information and help build a community in which medical care was approached without fear.

Addressing pressures on military families

Hassan also highlighted the emotional demands facing military households. She said personnel worked under demanding conditions while their families managed anxiety, responsibilities and other pressures.

“For military families, these issues deserve particular attention,” she said.

She called for an environment where people could seek psychological support without feeling weak or ashamed, and urged participants to offer compassion to those experiencing distress.

“Sometimes supporting someone does not require perfect words or solutions. It simply means being present, listening without judgment, and reminding that person that they are not alone,” she said.

Hassan encouraged the military community to regard seeking mental health support as a responsible step towards wellbeing.

Medical experts and survivor contribute

The awareness discussion was led by Dr Uchechukwu Shagaya, Chairperson of the NAOWA Health Committee.

Contributors included Dr Feyisayo Daji, Chief Consultant Radiologist at the National Hospital, Abuja; Dr Emmanuella Nwachukwu, Senior Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist; registered oncology nurse Haleemah Abdullahi; and family physician Dr Rabi Isiaka-Yusuf.

Their contributions addressed screening, early detection, timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and coordinated care for women facing breast cancer.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Olusegun Shoyombo discussed recognising psychological difficulties and seeking professional support without stigma.

Breast cancer survivor Nneoma Ndukwe brought a survivor’s perspective to the discussion, while Brig.-Gen. Abraham Ayeni, Commander of the NAOWA Command Hospital, contributed to the broader conversation on healthcare for military families.

Hassan acknowledged the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for supporting family welfare initiatives and thanked the programme’s experts and facilitators.

She urged participants to carry the discussions into their homes and communities through sustained support, accurate information and encouragement to seek care.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.