Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker has advised parents to immunize their daughters to prevent future incidence of cancer.
Dr. Coker gave the advice during the flag-off of free cancer screening, organized by Ogun State Ministry of Health, at the State General Hospital Ijaiye, Abeokuta, to commemorate 2020 World Cancer Day.
She described cancer as the second leading cause of death worldwide, with 54 percent of cancers diagnosis across the world being breast, cervical and prostate cancer, adding that over a third of all related cases can be prevented by lifestyle modification, strong immunity and reduction of obesity.
“There is presently no known cure for cancer. However, it can be prevented through a lot of ways. Self-examination for breast cancer and regular screening are important ways to prevent this disease. The earlier it is detected, the better the outcome,
“I want to encourage our mothers to ensure that they immunise their daughters because this also counts as a preventive measure against cancer when they become adults. Men should also go for prostate cancer screening regularly, especially when they are well over middle age”, she added.
The Commissioner noted that the free screening would focus on cervical, breast and prostate cancers, which were the commonest in Nigeria, urging residents across the three Senatorial Districts of the State, to avail themselves of the opportunity.
Earlier in his presentation, a Consultant Oncology, Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta, Dr. Babatunde Alabi, revealed that the global target is to produce cure for three-quarter of all known cancers by 2032, advising all stakeholders to join the campaign by becoming advocates, as well as taking action against cancer.
