The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, has charged individuals to go for checkups and examination regularly, saying early detection in cases of cancer saves lives.
The advice was given against the backdrop of this year’s World Cancer Day.
It will be recalled that February 4, every year is observed as World Cancer Day to raise awareness of cancer and encourage its prevention, detection and treatment.
The association, in a release signed by its national president, Mrs. Ladi Bala, and national secretary, Helen Udofa, said the 2021 global theme, I Am And I Will, acknowledged the fact that the commitment to act would lead to powerful progress in reducing the global impact of cancer and create a cancer-free world.
It said, “It is a call for everyone, irrespective of who you are, because your actions – big and small – will make lasting positive change. According to the United Nations, such actions have an impact on everyone around us, within our neighbourhoods, communities and cities. And that more than ever, our actions are being felt across borders and oceans.
“This year is a reminder of the enduring power of cooperation and collective action. When we choose to come together, we can achieve what we all wish for: a healthier, brighter world without cancer. Together, all of our actions matter.”
The association then called on the federal and state governments to partner national and international stakeholders to record more laudable achievements in managing cancer cases in the country, as well as commit adequate resources to reduce cancer death and provide better quality of life for patients and survivors.
It added that non-governmental organisations, civil societies and other stakeholders should intensify advocacies and organise more sensitisation programmes especially in rural areas to enlighten the public on preventive measures to reduce the prevalence of the killer disease.
“There is no doubt that there is cure when detected early, therefore we encourage regular checkups and examinations as most cancers can be removed with either drugs, radiotherapy or surgeries when detected early.
“NAWOJ believes everyone has the capacity to address the cancer burden and that together we can work to reduce cancer risk factors and overcome barriers to early diagnosis, treatment and palliative care in Nigeria,” it said.
