By Omolara Adasofunjo
The Federal Government has flagged off a nationwide awareness and free cancer screening programme in Abeokuta, urging Nigerians to take advantage of the initiative for early detection and treatment of cancer.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Development, Dr Iziaq Salako who declared the Programme open at the Federal Medical Centre Idi-Aba advised Nigerians to take responsibility for their health by avoiding unhealthy diets, alcohol and tobacco consumption, unsafe sexual practices and sedentary lifestyles.
Dr Salako said about six thousand persons with cervical, breast and prostate cancers across the six geopolitical zones of the country would have access to screening and treatment under the programme.
The minister also said that the Federal Government would establish ultramodern cancer centres across the country and one would be located at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, as part of long-term plans for cancer prevention, management and control.
In the same vein, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, called on traditional rulers and community leaders to mobilise residents to take advantage of the intervention, noting that early detection and prompt treatment could save lives.
In separate remarks, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the wife of a former president, Mrs Bola Obasanjo and the President of the Nigeria Cancer Society, Mr Abidemi Omonisi, encouraged individuals that testing positive should not be viewed as a death sentence, emphasizing the need to seek early treatment.
Earlier, the Medical Director of FMC, Abeokuta, Professor Sarah Ibiyemi had affirmed the hospital’s readiness to deploy adequate resources and manpower towards ensuring the successful implementation of the programme.
Edited by Titilayo Kupoliyi
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