Background and Context:
In Nigeria,cancer morbidity and mortality statistics are mainly influenced by Knowledge, Attitude and Practices that result in significant late presentation of cancer patients to healthcare facilities! Breast Without Spot (BWS) , a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization founded in 2008, is determined to downgrade tumours in Nigeria, through enthroning early detection and prevention of cancers and other non-communicable diseases - since 'late detection' was also the bane of the latter! BWS employs various strategies to achieve an impact on cancer control,targeted to empower Nigerians with information that could lead to a change of attitude & adoption of best practices.
Aim:
To increase prevention and early detection of cancer in Nigeria.
Strategy/Tactics:
Utilizing a ready population of vibrant, innovative and energetic youths to increase cancer control advocacy in Nigeria
Programme/Policy Process:
BWS/NYSC cancer control advocate initiative is one of the major initiatives of BWS in which Nigerian graduates under the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) are trained as cancer control advocates. Within the various communities they are posted for one full year, to raise awareness of cancer/ other NCDs in community gatherings, churches, schools, mosques, market places and corporate organizations... An army of Cancer Control Advocates achieving ' One-on-One' grassroots impact
World Cancer Day Youth Jamboree is an initiative of BWS that targets Nigerian youths through social media and public health campaigns/outreaches. Through this initiative, since 2011, BWS under the auspices of UICC successfully hosted this awareness event on World Cancer Day. The focus on youths, is defined by our belief that they are at best advantage to benefit from preventive lifestyle best practices. With the wide window for them to live long enough for such measures to significantly cut their cancer risk
Outcomes/What was learned:
Youth involvement is relevant to the success of cancer control advocacy