Fight4Life Cancer Foundation Forum

The Fight4Life Cancer Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and educating communities about breast cancer. By sharing knowledge on prevention, treatment options, and the challenges associated with the disease, the foundation empowers women to take proactive steps toward their health. The Fight4Life team is committed to exploring innovative ways to support and save lives.

The recent Fight4Life Cancer Foundation Forum was held in Ikeja, Lagos, with the primary goal of educating women about the prevalence of breast cancer, its causes, treatments, and solutions. The forum catered to a diverse audience, including women who had undergone mastectomies, young women seeking preventive knowledge, representatives from the Ministry of Health, health enthusiasts, guest speakers, and key collaborators.

Key Highlights from the Forum

The event featured several informative segments to enhance breast cancer awareness and provide actionable insights for attendees.

Welcome Address

Dr. Rosilyn Gborogen

Dr. Rosilyn Gborogen, CEO and Founder of the Fight4Life Cancer Foundation, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the critical role of knowledge and awareness in combating breast cancer. She reassured the audience that “breast cancer is not a death sentence” and urged women to be bold, empowered, and vocal about their health. She encouraged open conversations to eliminate stigma and foster enlightenment within communities.

Interactive Q&A Session

Mrs. Toyin Bamisaye Oni conducted a Q&A session with Dr. Rosilyn Gborogen, during which Dr. Gborogen reiterated the importance of self-examinations and regular checkups, particularly for women aged 40-50. She addressed common concerns, including the reliance on herbal treatments, stressing the need for medical evaluations. She also discussed the foundation’s vision, future initiatives, and past activities contributing to breast cancer awareness and support.

Panel Discussions

Throughout the day, experts engaged in discussions on various aspects of breast cancer, including:

The Importance of Regular Health Checkups – Encouraging women in their 30s and beyond to undergo routine screenings such as Pap smears, mammograms, and full-body scans.
Rejecting Breast Cancer Stigma – Addressing the societal misconceptions surrounding breast cancer and fostering an environment of support and understanding.
Understanding Breast Cancer Risks and Treatments – Discussing risk factors such as early chest radiation exposure and oral contraceptive use, as well as available treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

Keynote Addresses

Dr. Bukola Oshikalu delivered an insightful keynote address, shedding light on breast cancer risk factors and prevention strategies. She emphasized the importance of early detection through proper testing of breast lumps to determine malignancy. She also highlighted the protective role of breastfeeding, advising that breastfeeding for more than six months can help reduce breast cancer risk.

Dr. Adeyinka Famewo also delivered an enlightening keynote address on genetic testing. He explained the role of genetics in cancer, highlighting that one in ten cancers is caused by a gene mutation inherited from parents. These inherited mutations can increase a person’s risk for various types of cancer and contribute to cancer running in families.

Dr. Famewo emphasized the significance of genetic testing in identifying inherited mutations that may lead to cancer. He discussed how genetic test results can inform individuals about cancer risks and guide medical decisions for early detection, prevention, and treatment. By providing insights into hereditary cancer, he empowered the audience with knowledge about their health risks and options for proactive medical care.

Dr. Bukola Oshikalu

Expert Insights

Dr. Bosede Wellington provided further education on breast cancer, underscoring the significance of early detection, screenings, and comprehensive treatments. She encouraged women to take an active role in their health, affirming those timely interventions significantly lower breast cancer mortality rates.

Social Engagement & Celebrations

Beyond the educational sessions, the forum provided a warm and engaging social atmosphere. Guests were treated to a delightful continental breakfast and lunch, ensuring they remained nourished and energized throughout the day. A vibrant fashion show infused the event with excitement, as survivors and guests confidently displayed their resilience and beauty in a celebratory atmosphere.

A particularly uplifting moment of the day was when survivors and guests took to the dance floor, celebrating life and the strength they have exhibited despite their challenges. The joy and camaraderie in the room were palpable, reinforcing the message that a breast cancer diagnosis does not define one’s life. The event served as a space for learning, healing, support, and shared encouragement.

Engaging Discussions & Opportunities

The forum featured interactive sessions where attendees asked pertinent questions about medications, treatment procedures, and beneficial therapies. The event also created networking opportunities, facilitating connections with potential collaborators, donors, and investors. Discussions included scholarship and travel opportunities for women interested in studying abroad to return and empower their communities with advanced knowledge and skills.

Government Advocacy for Breast Cancer Support Strengthened at Community Event

A highlight of the occasion was a compelling speech by the Honorable Emmanuel O. Egoh, who expressed deep admiration for the resilience and strength of breast cancer survivors. He pledged to take the insights from the event regarding existing support systems to the House of Assembly in Abuja.

Honorable Egoh emphasized his commitment to advocating for increased government and senate-backed initiatives to provide greater resources, awareness, and long-term support for these courageous women. His words ignited hope and reinforced the importance of collective action in the fight against breast cancer.

A Resounding Success

The Fight4Life Cancer Foundation Forum was a tremendous success, providing women with invaluable knowledge, resources, and support. Participants expressed their appreciation for the wealth of information shared and the engaging format of the event. Attendees left with a renewed sense of empowerment and determination to advocate for their health and educate others.

Building on this success, the foundation is already preparing for next year’s forum, with plans to make it even larger and more impactful. Fight4Life remains steadfast in its mission to raise awareness, challenge stigmas, and ensure that no woman faces breast cancer alone.