SUNU urges early detection to curb breast cancer burden

SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc

SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc and SUNU Health Nigeria Limited have called on women to prioritise breast health and early detection as part of efforts to reduce the burden of breast cancer.

The call was made during The Pink Mic 2026 wellness initiative, organised in partnership with H₂O Wellness Foundation at HealthRite Medical & Wellness Centre, Lekki, Lagos, on Wednesday.

The programme, held as part of the Pink October breast cancer awareness campaign, provided more than 60 female media practitioners with breast cancer screening, medical consultations and preventive health education.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Corporate Services at SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc, Japari Yusuf, said open conversations about breast health were necessary to tackle fear, stigma and misinformation surrounding the disease.

She urged women to discuss breast health with their families, colleagues and friends while seeking professional medical advice whenever necessary.

“It is a pleasure and privilege to be here on behalf of SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc and SUNU Health Nigeria as we come together for a cause that touches lives, families, workplaces, and communities,” Yusuf said.

She also urged journalists and broadcasters to use their platforms to promote accurate health information and encourage women to undergo screening rather than depend on unverified remedies.

According to her, the partnership with H₂O Wellness Foundation demonstrated the commitment of both organisations to supporting initiatives that improve public health.

“For us, corporate social responsibility is not simply about making a contribution or associating our brand with an event. It is about supporting initiatives that address real needs, encourage positive change, and empower people to make informed decisions about their health and well-being,” she said.

• Amosun’s wife offers free breast surgeries to 30 Ogun women
• STL, COPE offer free breast cancer screening
• Ebola: Firm urges vigilance, warns against misinformation

Yusuf disclosed that the organisation’s Pink October campaign began in 2024, with 100 women benefiting from free breast cancer screening and mammograms, adding that another 150 women were screened in 2025.

She explained that the 2026 edition focused on female media practitioners, whose professional reach could help spread breast cancer awareness and preventive health information to wider audiences.

The convener of The Pink Mic, Janet Karz Joshua, commended SUNU Assurances and SUNU Health for supporting the initiative, noting the importance of partnerships in expanding health education and preventive care for women.

A representative of Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital delivered a presentation on breast cancer prevention, early detection and routine screening.

Also speaking, Dr Uchenna Anekwuonye of HealthRite Medical & Wellness Centre advised participants to embrace preventive healthcare and avoid taking medications without proper diagnosis.

She warned against indiscriminate medication use and sharing prescribed drugs, stressing the need to consult qualified healthcare professionals before commencing treatment.

Anekwuonye identified proper nutrition, regular physical activity, stress management, quality sleep, avoidance of harmful substances and social connectedness as key components of preventive healthcare.

She also encouraged women to incorporate aerobic exercises, resistance training, flexibility exercises and balance training into their routines.

The event featured breast cancer screening and wellness discussions, with participants encouraged to make preventive healthcare a priority.