By Judy Okolo

By the end of October, many of us would have seen enough pink to recognise the message instantly.

Pink ribbons on social media. Breast cancer awareness walks. Health talks in offices, churches and women’s groups. Perhaps you even wore pink, reposted a message or reminded another woman to examine her breasts.

Wonderful.

But here is the question that matters: what will you do differently when October is over?
Because breast cancer awareness was never meant to be an annual colour campaign. It is supposed to change behaviour.

For many Nigerian women, health still competes with everything else. There are children to sort out, ageing parents to check on, deadlines, traffic, business, church commitments and bills that refuse to understand that you need a break.

So, we postpone ourselves.

“I’ll do the test later.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing.”

“Let me finish this busy period first.”

And sometimes, later becomes much later.

Take The Pink Ribbon Home

Let this October leave you with something practical.

Know your breasts. Become familiar with how they normally look and feel, and have unusual or persistent changes professionally assessed.

Know your risk. Ask questions about your family history and discuss your individual risk and appropriate screening with a qualified healthcare professional.

Keep your appointments. Feeling well is not a reason to neglect preventive care.

But there is another conversation we need to have.

Many women already know they should eat better, exercise, sleep more, manage stress and prioritise themselves. The real challenge is turning that knowledge into a lifestyle while managing a very full Nigerian life.

This is where partnering with a qualified health coach can be valuable.

A health coach is not a replacement for your doctor and does not diagnose or treat breast cancer. Rather, a coach can help you translate health intentions into realistic daily habits, set achievable goals, identify obstacles and provide accountability as you work towards better wellbeing. If you are receiving treatment or recovering from illness, lifestyle changes should be coordinated with your medical team.

Think of wellness as a team effort. Your doctor handles medical care. Other healthcare professionals contribute their expertise. A health coach can help you work consistently on the everyday behaviours that support your health.

And support another woman too.

Sometimes she doesn’t need another lecture about breast cancer. She needs someone to say, “Have you booked the appointment? I’ll go with you.”

October will end. The pink ribbons will come down.

Let your awareness remain.

Book the check. Ask the question. Start the healthier habit. Get the support you need. Encourage another woman to do the same.

Because wearing pink raises awareness.

What you do after wearing it could change a life—including your own.

Until next time, let’s glow intentionally.

Judy Okolo is a Pharmacist and a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach