On wednesday, Eredo LCDA, in partnership with Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, a non-profit organization, conducted free: Breast, Cervical and Prostate Cancer screening for residents of the community. Held at Yaba College of Technology, Epe Campus Ground, Odoragunshin, Eredo-Epe, the programme was part of activities marking World Cancer Day.

In the course of celebrating the event, the organizers staged a walk for cancer awareness. They also had an interactive session with residents on causative factors, preventive measures and treatment options. The facilitators also referred patients to tertiary health institutions – for further treatment.

Underscoring the basis for conducting the programme, the LCDA’s Chairperson, Mrs. Olajumoke Saliu, stressed it was in fulfillment of one the LCDA’s cardinal health objectives – targeted at preventing avoidable deaths and increasing average life expectancy among residents. This, she pointed out, could be achieved through early detection and prompt treatment of various forms of cancer. Consequently, she advised residents of the community to get screened for cancer.

She informed residents of the community: “World Cancer Day is the one singular initiative under which the entire world can unite together in the fight against the global cancer epidemic. It takes place every year on 4th February to save millions of preventable deaths by raising awareness about cancer, a disease that afflicts 1 in 3 Nigerians.”

She added, World Cancer Day targets misinformation, raises awareness, and reduces stigma. Giving a demographic insight on the prevalence of cancer, across Nigeria’s population, the LCDA’S Chairperson revealed, breast and cervical cancers are the most prevalent types of cancer among women; while prostate cancer is the most common among men

Underlining the need for early detection, as a means of preventing avoidable deaths due to cancer, Saliu told the gathering: “Every year about 500,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed, mostly in stages 3 and 4 when the disease is already terminal. People across the world lose their loved ones to cancer and sadly there are 4 million people out of 8.2 million who have died prematurely. However, if detected early, many types of cancer can be cured.”

She spoke further: “According to the statistics, it has been noted that most of the cancer cases and cancer deaths (47% and 55% respectively) occur in less developed areas of the world. If it is not controlled, this condition may get worse by 2030. So, it is very necessary to get control over such situation at all the corners of the world.”

In his address, Dr. Olufemi Olaleye, Medical Director, Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, advised residents, to make it a habit to go for regular health checkup He further enjoined them to adopt a healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise regularly. Olalelye also taught women in the community, ways to conduct self-examination – to detect early formation of breast cancer.

Beneficiaries commended the LCDA, describing the Programme as an eye-opener. They further expressed hope such programmes would be sustained.

Source:
https://mediaaccent..com/2018/02/eredo-lcda-optimal-caner-care.html?m=1