The Care, Organization, Public Enlightenment Foundation (C.O.P.E.) has set a target to reach 10 million Nigerian women by 2030 through expanded breast cancer screening, community education, and strengthened partnerships to promote early detection nationwide.

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant cells develop in the breast?s tissues. It is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related death.

C.O.P.E. was founded in 1995 by breast cancer survivor Ebunola Anozie and has spent the last 30 years raising awareness, providing free screenings, and assisting survivors throughout Nigeria.

The Lagos-based non-profit claims to have reached over 7.5 million Nigerians through education campaigns and provided over 100,000 free breast cancer screenings.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that approximately 28,380 new breast cancer cases occurred in Nigeria in 2020, with an increase to around 32,000 cases predicted for the current year.

Meanwhile, according to a Neolife report, cancer kills over 70,000 people in Nigeria each year (28,414 men and 41,913 women). The five most common types of cancer are estimated to be breast cancer (25.7%), cervical uterus (14.6%), prostate (12.8%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (5.3%), and liver (5.0%). Breast cancer (18.6%), cervical uterus (16.8%), prostate (9.4%), liver (8.3%), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (6.0%) are estimated to be the leading causes of death. Breast cancer is currently Nigeria?s deadliest cancer type, with cervical cancer coming in second and prostate cancer third.

C.O.P.E. stated that for the past three decades, it has performed over 100,000 free breast cancer screenings, counselled approximately 1,400 women, and assisted over 350 survivors with post-treatment care and empowerment programmes.

Anozie reflected on this milestone, saying, ?C.O.P.E. has thrived because of our commitment to compassion and consistency. We have made it our motto to always show up. It doesn?t matter if we have a lot or a little because we know that even the smallest act of kindness can change a woman?s life.?

Despite the progress made, she noted that greater awareness, access, and survivor support are still required, and that the current C.O.P.E. facility can no longer accommodate the growing number of women seeking assistance.

She said C.O.P.E plans to build a permanent breast cancer center to address the increasing demand for screening, counseling, treatment support and research services.

?We?ve come this far through hard work and faith, guided by the belief that no woman should face breast cancer alone,? she said.

?But there?s still more work to be done. Our goal is to reach ten million women by 2030, through expanded screenings, community education, and partnerships that make early detection a national priority.?

She added that the group?s work has been sustained through partnerships with several organizations, including Polaris Bank, Variant Advisory, Aradel Holdings, Access Bank, STL Trustees, Pfizer and General Electric.

To mark its 30th anniversary, C.O.P.E will host a celebration on Nov. 13 at the Marriott Hotel in Lagos, bringing together survivors, volunteers, donors, and partners.

The foundation?s 30th anniversary celebration is scheduled for Nov. 13 at the Marriott Hotel in Lagos. Sponsored by Polaris Bank, the event will bring together survivors, volunteers and partners to review the group?s progress and discuss future plans to reduce breast cancer mortality in Nigeria. (The Guardian)

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