The Chief Executive Officer, NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Dr. Lylian Ekpo has identified eating right with vegetables, fresh fruits, tigernuts milk and engaging in exercise, moving and walking long distances as ways of preventing cancer. Ekpo said this at the press briefing and enlightenment campaign organized by NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre on World Cancer Day 2022 with the theme: “Close The Care Gap”.
Ekpo advised that as soon as any symptom of cancer or abnormal growth is noticed in the body, the best thing is to go the hospital.She said :”you can believe God and still go to the doctor because it is God that gives the doctor the wisdom to know what to do, going to see a doctor does not negate your faith”.
She also disclosed the government’s commitment to treatment of cancer by making huge investment in Africa.”We have state of the art machines that can give effective radiotherapy to patients with cancer as well as chemotherapy mediation that are necessary so that people can get the treatment they need”.
She noted that cancer is a silent epidemic that is coming on in most developing countries who do not have the resources, Nigerian government knows and the Cancer centre is proof that it can work. If we can reproduce this edifice in the six geopolitical zones, we will be making huge strides in the cancer care in the country.
Also speaking at the event, The Consultant, Radiation/Clinical Oncologist, Dr. Bolanle Adegboyega said to avoid cancer, people should run away from fried food, fatty food and when one is getting to the age of 50 and above, should avoid red meat as much as possible.
Consultant, Radiation/Clinical Oncologist, Dr. Godwin Uwagba said the first thing to do is that anyone with symptom of cancer should go to the hospital for diagnosis to identify the type of cancer, so that relevant treatment could be effected.On his part, Consultant, Radiation/Clinical Oncologist, Dr. Mohammad Habeebu who said causes of cancer could be sub-divided to inherent and environmental factors said the latter can be prevented by avoiding junks, fatty diets, diets that have chemical preservatives, cigarette smoking, alcohol, as well as exposure to ionizing radiation.