NAWOJ Lagos Advocates WHO’s 60-60-80 Strategy For Improved Breast Cancer Outcomes

By Aderonke Fakeye

As the world rounds off activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to enhance access to cancer care and improve survival rates for women battling breast cancer in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, Mrs. Jumoke Falayi-Johnson, and the Secretary, Mrs. Anu Thomas, the association emphasized the need for deliberate policy action and healthcare reforms that will ensure timely diagnosis, treatment, and support for women facing breast cancer.
Falayi-Johnson highlighted the relevance of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) 60-60-80 strategy, describing it as a “lifeline framework” capable of saving thousands of Nigerian women if fully implemented.
“The 60-60-80 strategy aims for 60 percent of all invasive breast cancers to be detected no later than stage 2, a definitive diagnosis made within 60 days of presenting to a healthcare professional, and at least 80 percent of patients completing their treatment,” she explained.

According to her, this approach is anchored on awareness, accessibility, and accountability — three pillars that can drastically change breast cancer outcomes in Nigeria.
“When a woman battling breast cancer sees the significant support and structures that have been put in place to ensure her survival, she is encouraged to fight harder. It’s a chain link — support, structure, and survival,” she said.
The NAWOJ Lagos chairperson further called on policymakers, health workers, and partners to dismantle existing barriers to care, especially for women in rural communities.
“I believe that the woman in her remote village does not need to fight breast cancer alone. You could be in a corner office in Alausa, a hospital in Ikeja, or a live news studio in Obalende — and still be part of the fight for her survival,” Falayi-Johnson added.

She reaffirmed NAWOJ Lagos’ commitment to being a vital bridge between breast cancer survivors and those responsible for providing care, awareness, and advocacy.
“As an association, we will continue to amplify voices, share stories, and push for systems that give every woman a fair chance at survival. Let’s end breast cancer by ensuring it does not end more lives,” she said.
The statement aligns with this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness theme, “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” underscoring the importance of collective effort and empathy in the global fight against the disease.