Abiodun harps on early cancer detection in women

With an increasing number of cancer cases in the country, the wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, has enjoined all women to ascertain their status, for prompt treatment to curb the spread of the disease to other parts of the body.

Abiodun, who gave the advice, yesterday, during the ongoing breast cancer awareness programme organized by her pet project, Ajose Foundation and Medical Women Association, Ogun State branch, held at the Maternity Centre, Ward 9, Ilisan, Remo, said early detection and treatment was very essential to avert untimely death.

She said: “As a woman, you have sacrificed so much for your families and your communities. Please, don’t sacrifice your health too. Take advantage of this opportunity for a free screening, because once you can detect cancer quickly before it spreads, it is easy to treat.

“By God’s grace, we will reach all women in the 20 local councils in the four divisions of the state, with this campaign. Know your status so that we can quickly get treatment, if necessary.”

Mrs. Abiodun appreciated all associations and partners that continued to support her initiatives, promising her continuous efforts at combating the disease.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, said available statistics put the death of women with breast and cervical cancer at 29,000 yearly, and 70 daily, a rate she described as “alarming.”

She identified lack of exercise, obesity, and poor diet, as some of the factors contributing to cancer, adding that early detection would make treatment cheaper and effective.

The resource person, a family physician with the Hospitals Management Board, Dr Yomibo Sofolahan, explained how the women could regularly check their breasts for lumps or any other sign of cancer.

She advised women to visit the hospital when they notice any sign of breast and cervical cancer for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent death.

A beneficiary of the free screening, Mrs. Kehinde Adelaja expressed gratitude for the gesture, noting that she could not afford to go for such screening at the hospital.