Raji Abdulrazak, Kwara State Commissioner for Health has disclosed that people of the state will soon enjoy comprehensive cancer screening to ward off the prevalence of cancer in the state.
Abdulrazak, who stated this when the Civil Society for Cancer Eradication in Nigeria (CiSCANEN) paid him a courtesy call in his office recently in preparation for World cancer celebration, noted that efforts were underway for women, youths, adults and the aged to undergo cancer screening in the state.
The commissioner explained that mass screening would allow the state government to discover the number of people with cancer and ensure necessary intervention as well as treatment using cryotherapy.
According to him, there was a need for people to be sensitised on cancer to realise that there are environmental factors that predispose people to cancer.
Abdulrazak assured that the state government would cooperate with relevant agencies in promoting health care services in the state.
He describes cancer as a global challenge, pointing out that Nigeria was not an exception.
The Commissioner, however, emphasised the need for early detection and prevention through health education.
Raji, had while warning that smoking is one of the causes of cancer, added that it was a predisposing factor to tuberculosis.
He sheds some light that genetics also play a role in cancer through hereditary.
Earlier, Banjo Famuyiwa, Coordinator of CiSCANEN, explained that the visit was part of the group’s activities to commemorate the World Cancer Day scheduled for February 4.
Famuyiwa says the importance of the international day set aside to create awareness on cancer and collaborate with necessary stakeholders to bring about change.
Adding that though there were cases of cancer-related deaths at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), “however, there are no data to give the accurate number of deaths.’’
The coordinator decried the poor level of awareness on cancer-related issues and the cost of treatment.
He, therefore, urged the state government through the state ministry of health to assist his organization in creating better awareness’s on the scourge of cancer in society.
SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin
