Early detection, taking necessary precautions and prompt treatment of cancer among others have been described as important in the fight against cancer. This was disclosed by the guest lecturer and Registrar, Dept. of Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Olaleye Emmanuel, at the Cancer Awareness Campaign organized by Otu Osisioma Age Grade which was held simultaneously in Festac Town, Lagos, and Civic Center, Oguta, Imo State to tackle the menace.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are 685,000 deaths per year, confirming that the burden of cancer is very high. In Nigeria, a report says about 130 cases per 100,000 persons are diagnosed with breast cancer which is very high.
“Breast cancer is not limited to women alone, breast cancer is now on the rise among men,” Olaleye warned.
The Convener/Vice Chairperson, Otu Osisioma Age Grade, Lagos Branch, Mrs. Tina Ishiodu said lots of women have died as a result of the cancer scourge. “Therefore, as Otu Osisioma group, we are associating with the government to sensitise our women, the girl child, and the entire public about cancer and its prevention.”
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According to Ishiodu, early detection is key. “We decided to identify with the global cancer challenge. The suffering of women and the need to bring awareness for early detection while enlightening the community is primarily why we want to stamp out this scourge,” said Ishiodu.
Speaking about preventive measures in the fight against cervical cancer, CNO Oncologist & Gynecologist Unit, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, (LUTH), Oluchi Ozonu said teaching our young ones proper sex education is important.
“As parents, we need proper education on sex education so that our children can be properly guided. Our negative attitudes to health issues can also cause cancer, many of us prefer to pay money for aso ebi than spending the money for medical check-up,” Ozonu said.
Either by vaccine, regular screening, treating infections on time, going for regular medical check-up and avoiding multiple sexual partners among others are ways of preventing cervical cancer. The virus for cervical cancer is transmitted sexually and it’s called the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). That is why we need to teach our younger ones about sex education,” said Ozonu.