BRECAN Jog for Life
Location
BRECAN Jog for Life is a project of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria , a non-governmental organization with a mission to eliminate breast cancer as a life threatening disease in Nigeria through public education, patient support, advocacy and research. In Nigeria, the perception of breast cancer as a disease that has no cure is deeply entrenched. Worse still are the myths and false beliefs about what causes breast cancer and how it can be treated. These myths and misconceptions are responsible for, to a large extent, the poor clinical outcomes in most hospitals in the country. In an effort to change this mindset and prove that breast cancer is not a death sentence, BRECAN created an innovative, fun-filled outdoor event called Jog for Life to raise the profile of breast cancer and galvanise a collective action to reduce suffering and untimely deaths caused by the disease. As the name implies, Jog for Life entails an early morning jogging through a designated route of about 5 km, starting at 7.00am prompt . T-shirts and caps are made specially for the event and sold to the public. Participants include breast cancer survivors with family members and friends, sponsors, invited guests and the concerned public. A special guest of honour usually a notable woman leads the joggers. At the finish point, BRECAN, sponsors and special guest of honour make brief remarks. Other attractions include luminaria ceremony (where luminaria are decorated with the names of survivors and those who lost the fight to breast cancer), aerobics, wall of hope and raffle draw . Participants are treated to a light refreshment with the event lasting for about two hours . What started in Ibadan with less than 100 participants in 2002 when nobody wanted to talk about breast cancer has grown to be an event that is now held in at least three cities every October (the breast cancer awareness month) where over 5000 dynamic and diverse participants register to take action against breast cancer. Apart from raising awareness, Jog for Life has been critical in fundraising for BRECAN Hope Lodge “a home away from home” for breast cancer patients and their care givers as well as serving as a platform to celebrate survivorship and promote exercise as a healthy life-style.
BRECAN Jog for Life is succeeding in increasing the level of public awareness about breast cancer in Nigeria and breaking down the walls of stigmatization as survivors through their participation showcase that there is life after breast cancer thereby giving hope to newly diagnosed patients and debunking the notion that breast cancer is a death sentence. Breast cancer, hitherto, discussed in hushed tones is now a topic widely discussed and featured in the media, consequently, more women affected by the disease are coming out of the closet seeking informational and medical support. The project has the capacity to, totally, erase ignorance of the disease in Nigeria, reduce the prevalent late presentation responsible for the poor clinical outcomes , advocate for improved breast health infrastructure thereby improving the chances of survival. Money realized from the sale of Jog for life outfits and souvenirs supports BRECAN projects among which is a hope lodge in Ibadan, an accommodation for breast cancer out-patients and their care givers travelling to the University College Hospital, Ibadan for treatment/check-up. BRECAN Jog for Life is an open event that promotes a healthy life-style for all.
