The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has emphasized that early detection of breast cancer is key to reducing mortality rates among women in Nigeria.
This declaration was made by ACPN Chairman in Oyo State, Pharmacist Adebayo Gbadamosi, during a one-day breast care awareness training organized by the Department of Radiation Oncology at University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan for Community Pharmacists.
Grassroots Awareness Gap
Gbadamosi expressed concern over the poor awareness of breast cancer, particularly at the grassroots level, lamenting that the disease remains one of the major killers among women in Nigeria.
"Breast cancer as one of the major killer diseases among women would be well prevented through the early detection skills of the Community Pharmacists who occupy a major position as the first point of call for healthcare issues at the grassroots," he stated.
Community Pharmacists as Healthcare Frontliners
The ACPN chairman highlighted the strategic position of community pharmacists in the healthcare ecosystem, noting that they are often the first point of contact for many Nigerians seeking health advice and services.
"If Community Pharmacies are properly acknowledged as one of the major Primary Healthcare infrastructures with unrestricted access and trust among the populace, it will cause sporadic improvement in the healthcare indices in Nigeria," Gbadamosi emphasized.
Call for Supportive Government Policies
The pharmacist called on governments at all levels to implement policies that would enable all healthcare professionals to maximize their potential, thereby avoiding unhealthy rivalries within the system.
"I called the government at different tiers to embrace policies that provide platforms for all the members of the healthcare team to fully realise their potentials which is to the benefit of our nation," he added.
The training session aimed to equip community pharmacists with the necessary skills to identify potential breast cancer cases early, thereby contributing to reduced mortality rates through timely interventions and referrals.
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