Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) has urged military families to seek timely medical checks and emotional support without fear of stigma, warning that silence around physical and mental health concerns can delay care and deepen the strain on households.
The appeal was made on Saturday in Abuja during the association’s Breast Cancer and Mental Health Awareness Programme, held to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and World Mental Health Day.
NAOWA President Safiyyah Hassan highlighted how a simple conversation with a friend had prompted a woman to investigate a subtle bodily change that caused little discomfort. The decision led to an early diagnosis and successful treatment, supported by her loved ones. “Behind every diagnosis is a person. Behind every person is a family, and behind every family is a story,” Hassan said.
She stressed that serious health conditions can affect more than the person receiving a diagnosis, with consequences for family relationships, confidence and future plans.
Hassan said the demands of military service can place significant pressure on service personnel, while their spouses and children may also experience anxiety and other emotional challenges.
She called for greater awareness of the importance of regular medical checks and access to psychological support, urging military families to treat seeking counselling as a sign of strength rather than weakness.
The programme brought together health professionals, including radiologists, oncologists, nurses and a consultant psychiatrist, who discussed practical steps for routine checks, accurate health information and coordinated treatment.
A breast cancer survivor also shared her experience, highlighting the role that timely intervention and a reliable support network can play in recovery. Participants were encouraged to look out for relatives, friends and colleagues, listen without judgement and offer support when concerns arise.
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