In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, STL Trustees and STL Asset Management have once again collaborated with the Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (COPE) to provide complimentary breast cancer ultrasound screenings for women. This year’s event, which took place at COPE’s office in Lagos, aimed to screen over 100 women but ultimately exceeded that target. In addition to the screenings, the event offered vital education on early detection methods and disease management techniques, emphasizing the critical role of awareness in combating breast cancer.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen the theme “No one should face breast cancer alone” for this year’s campaign, emphasizing the significance of early detection, timely diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and robust support for individuals affected by the disease. This theme underlines the intention to foster a support system and community understanding of breast cancer, as the organization seeks to address the global impact of the illness and advocate for improved healthcare access.
Akinwumi Oni, the Head of Trust Services, Legal, at STL Trustees, highlighted the company’s sustainability policy during the event, noting that while they are a profit-oriented business, their focus extends beyond profit to consider the well-being of individuals and the planet. He emphasized the importance of early detection, stating, “We may not be able to help people treat cancer because it’s expensive, but we can help them detect it early.” Oni affirmed STL Trustees’ long-term commitment to supporting breast cancer awareness, explaining that last year’s event was only the beginning of their engagement with COPE.
Ahmed Banu, Managing Director of STL Asset Management, shared insights into the motivation for the annual screenings. He pointed to the positive feedback from last year as a catalyst for continuing the initiative, underscoring the prevalence of breast cancer among women as a significant reason for their ongoing support. Moreover, he expressed intentions to broaden their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts by eventually addressing men’s health issues, including prostate cancer screening, signifying a growing commitment to holistic community health.
Ebunola Anozie, the CEO of COPE, commended the partnership with STL and STL Asset Management as a crucial and impactful initiative. Anozie noted that for nearly three decades, COPE has been providing free health services to women, which enables them to prioritize their health effectively. She shared testimonials from women who benefited from early detection, which significantly reduced treatment costs and, in some cases, prevented the need for mastectomies. The affordability of healthcare, especially in Nigeria, poses considerable challenges for women, making such free services essential for promoting health awareness.
In conclusion, the partnership between STL Trustees, STL Asset Management, and COPE represents a proactive step toward tackling breast cancer in Nigeria. Events like the recent screening not only provide essential healthcare services but also promote the critical message of early detection and community support. By increasing awareness and accessibility to screening, the initiative aims to empower women to prioritize their health, ultimately leading to better outcomes in breast cancer management. As these organizations continue to advocate for awareness and support, their efforts reflect a commitment to improving the lives of women and extending their influence to broader health initiatives in the future.
