By Daniel Ayantoye
No fewer than 150 people have benefited free cancer screening exercise organised by LEAH Foundation in partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
The state Director of NOA, Olusegun Adeyemi, who made the disclosure while delivering his address during a Health Awareness Campaign on Cancer with emphasis on breast and cervical cancer in Ilorin on Thursday, stated that sensitising the public on the need for early detection is necessary.
According to him, there is hardly any sex or group that is free from the disease, adding that adequate awareness will go a long way towards reducing the scourge among the populace.
In the same vein, the Executive Director of LEAH Foundation, Mr. Lanre Bello stated that most killer diseases are preventable, adding that the foundation is always at the forefront of the campaign for early screening for early detection and treatment.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Adegboyega Fawole while presenting his paper, explained that cancer begins when the cells in a part of the body begins to grow out of control.
He added that while over six million people are currently living with the disease, four million have died.
He stressed that most people lose their lives to cancer due to late presentation which most time is as a result of ignorance, religious consideration or denial.
He further said that for breast cancer, a female above 20 years should check herself every month, precisely eight days after the menstruation.
“Cervical cancer can be infected through the sperm. Sexual behaviour and smoking are factors for infection.
“The primary prevention toward being infected are smoking, Obesity, sexual activity control, use of condom, co-infection among others.”
Also, the Business Manager of the Foundation, Mrs. Bolanle Oladapo, while explaining the process involved in cancer detection, stated that most people present their issues late due to ignorance.
She also said inability to manage stress could also lead to beimg infected with cancer.
“Chronic Stress is said to be an underlying factor in many diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, lung problems, cirrhosis of the liver, suicide,” he further explained.
The programme was attended by representatives of various government parastatals and depatements, Non Governmental Organisations and top government functionaries. Amongs whom are the Kwara State Commissioner for Health represented by a Director of the ministry , Jacob Aransiola, Commissioner for Women Affairs represented by Mr. Atanda David and the Commissioner for Information represented by Mrs. Christiana Asonibare.
