25. The Tireless Fight Against Breast Cancer

FIERCE Mothers

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the Igbo Initiative is so proud to talk to Mrs. Nwabukwu.

Ify Anne Nwabukwu is the President and Founder of the African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA). Mrs. Nwabukwu obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and a degree in hospital administration at Strayer University.

The African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA) was birthed and launched on September 11, 2004, as a result of her experience dealing with breast cancer from two women who she loved and had made a great impact in her life. The first was her mother and second was her best friend. She created the AWCAA in response to the lack of culturally competent services for African-born women and the high rate of breast cancer mortality in this group.

Under her leadership, this organization has trained lay health workers and professionals, and successfully conducted outreach and navigation services. She remains active in the community, mentoring youth and volunteering in civic and health-based organizations. She is a 2012 Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leader, and a member of the Maryland Nurses Association and African community cultural organizations.

In this episode, Mrs. Nwabukwu helps us understand that breast cancer does not discriminate. It has no restrictions on certain educational levels, age boundaries, nationality, ethnicity, religion, financial status or gender. Statistics reveal that 1 in every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Mrs. Nwabukwu discussed her battle with breast cancer and stresses the importance of an early diagnosis. She reassures us that a breast cancer diagnosis is not the fault of the patient and it is not something to be ashamed of.

Work continues through research, education and cutting-edge science to find a cure for breast cancer. But until then, we are all in this battle together racing against time to save more lives.

Mrs. Nwabukwu is playing her part through the AWCAA, working tirelessly with African women to reduce the mortality rate to breast cancer.

Mrs. Nwabukwu can be reached as follows:

Website: http://www.awcaa.org

Email: [e-mail]

Address: 8955 Edmonston Rd, Greenbelt, MD 20770

Phone: [phone]

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