A diagnostic centre, WellMed Healthcare Ltd. has expressed readiness to assist women in tackling some physical, mental and social health challenges hindering them from accomplishing their career goals.

According to Consultant Radiologist at the health centre, Dr Busayo Agbaje, the body had resolved to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for women.

In her words, many women are overwhelmed by their daily activities and lack the time to care for their physical, mental and social health.

She spoke on the centre’s activities to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, celebrated annually to honour the achievements of women globally and also to band together to fight for gender parity and women’s rights.

This year’s theme, is “#ChooseToChallenge” is borne out of the idea that a challenged world is an alert world and that everyone is responsible for their thoughts and actions.

“This year’s theme encourages a more critical look at issues that surround women’s health; from access to healthcare, right information, management and treatment options, to affordability and mindsets.

“Women are believed to be the primary caregivers and managers of the home and this mindset continues to prioritise the home over a career for many women.

“It is difficult for women to juggle the home front and a career, but with the right support, focus and mastery of priorities, it is possible to succeed in their chosen fields of endeavour,” she said.

Agbaje said that proper care, regular check-ups and early detection of diseases could help women have more fulfilling lives.

“Breast and cervical screenings are the best ways right now to detect cancers while they are still at a curable stage.

“The benefits of early detection and screening include better quality of life, increased productivity and reduced financial impact to the patient’s family,” she said.

Agbaje said the centre would continue to engage with women through its awareness campaigns and screening drives.

The Centre Manager, Dr Belema Uduje, also urged women to have a general health check-up annually in order to discover problems at the early stage.

“You can also do monthly self-breast examination. This can be done yourself or by your physician.

“Women less than 40 years can also do a breast scan while women above 40 years old could do a mammogram.

“A pap smear or liquid based cytology can be done to screen for cervical cancer,” she said.

Agbaje said that the centre had discounted the mammogram and cervical screenings by 30 per cent, for March 8 and March 9, so women of reproductive age could have access to better healthcare.

Uduje said men could take advantage of this drive to evaluate any breast concerns they have “because we know that one per cent of breast cancers affect men,” she said.

The centre manager said that depending on the outcome of the results, the clients would be referred to experts for appropriate management.