New Era Newspaper

New Era Epaper
Icon Collap
...
Home / Women urged to breastfeed longer

Women urged to breastfeed longer

2021-11-01  Victoria Immanuel

Women urged to breastfeed longer

Victoria Kaapanda

Longer breastfeeding can lower breast cancer risks, especially if a woman breastfeeds for longer than one year.

Specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Fatima Suleiman made these remarks during the awareness campaign of breast, cervical and prostate cancer at Ongwediva Medipark last week.

“So far, cervical cancer ranks as the first killing cancer and most frequent cancer among women in Namibia, while breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer,” she said.  Suleiman encouraged women to go for regular screening, and to exercise regularly to beat cervical and breast cancers. 

“Regular screening for early detection and treatment can help to prevent loss of precious lives of Namibians,” she noted. She added that it is evident that there are women who are more prone to breast and cervical cancer.

Protective measures towards a healthy lifestyle include the practice of breastfeeding, regular physical exercise, moderate alcohol consumption, not smoking, a balanced diet and overall healthy living.

According to Ongwediva Medipark marketing and communications coordinator Katarina Elago, the private hospital screened more than 300 women for breast and cervical cancers, and more than 10 men last Friday.

She said it is the ninth time that the hospital is running the awareness campaign, which has so far screened about 6 000 women to date. 

“The campaign aims to strengthen awareness on breast, cervical and prostate cancer, and create a generation that is well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to face challenges,” noted Elago.  

She further said the campaign has reached out to a number of women in various communities, and they are not going to give up.

Caption

Checkup… Ongwediva Medipark private hospital hosted a one-day free screening for breast, cervical and prostate cancers.


2021-11-01  Victoria Immanuel

Share on social media