By Move Against Cancer Africa (MACA)
Piwoyi, Abuja | July 12 to 13, 2024
In July 2024, Move Against Cancer Africa (MACA) held a two-day lung cancer awareness and advocacy campaign titled ‘Breathe to Live’ in the Piwoyi community of Abuja. This initiative was designed to educate community residents about lung cancer, promote prevention, and raise awareness about the risk factors of the disease.
Lung cancer is one of the most fatal cancers globally. In underserved communities such as Piwoyi, awareness is low, and access to timely diagnosis and treatment remains a challenge. The ‘Breathe to Live’ campaign aimed to close this gap by delivering important information directly to the people.
Key Highlights
Education Sessions and Group Activities
Over 200 residents gathered at the Piwoyi Primary Health Centre to participate in awareness and screening activities. The day began with simple lung and cardiovascular exercises to highlight the role of physical activity in maintaining lung health.
A presentation on lung cancer followed, focusing on causes, early symptoms, and steps for prevention. Participants took part in a lively question-and-answer session where they won prizes for correct responses, reinforcing key messages from the presentation.
Promoting Nutrition for Lung Health
Participants received guidance on healthy eating as a preventive measure. A dedicated nutrition session highlighted foods that support respiratory function and overall wellness. The session encouraged the inclusion of fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods in daily diets.
Health Screening and Medical Consultations
The campaign provided a free health screening service to all participants. The process was divided into three parts:
- Measurement of vital signs, including weight, height, and blood pressure
- Lung function testing using basic assessment tools
- Personal consultations with healthcare professionals, including an oncologist and a cardiothoracic surgeon
About 80 individuals completed the full screening. Those with concerning findings were referred to appropriate medical facilities for further evaluation. All who participated in the screening received food items as a gesture of support.
Key Messages and Risk factors shared with the community
During the campaign, MACA emphasised the most common risk factors for lung cancer:
- Tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, and pipes
- Exposure to secondhand smoke, especially in enclosed spaces
- Air pollution from sources such as generators, burning wood, cement dust, and industrial fumes
- Family history of lung cancer
- Older age, which increases susceptibility
Recommended Preventive Measures
- Avoid smoking and stay away from environments where people smoke
- Improve indoor air quality and ventilation in homes and workplaces
- Wear protective masks when working in polluted or dusty areas
- Visit health centres regularly for check-ups and screenings
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and balanced nutrition
Next Steps and Recommendations
MACA remains committed to strengthening community-based lung cancer awareness. The following priorities will guide future activities:
- Deliver education campaigns in other high-risk and underserved communities
- Build stronger partnerships with local leaders to support public health messaging
- Expand access to free screening and referral services
- Encourage healthier lifestyle habits at the household level
- Develop support systems for follow-up care and patient navigation
Conclusion
The ‘Breathe to Live’ campaign in Piwoyi demonstrated the power of community engagement in tackling lung cancer. It showed that with the right information and support, individuals can make informed decisions about their health.
This initiative has provided a strong foundation for expanding similar efforts across the Federal Capital Territory and beyond. For MACA, Piwoyi is a reminder that meaningful progress begins at the grassroots level and that every community deserves the tools to protect its health.
Stay connected with MACA to learn more about our ongoing efforts to improve cancer care across Africa.
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