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The Chief Medical Director of the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, Brig. Gen Godwin Ogoh has emphasised that prevention and early detection remain the most effective strategy for reducing the burden of Cancer, particularly breast and cervical cancers.
Speaking when the Hassy Haven Cancer Foundation paid him a courtesy call, the Chief Medical Director lamented that late presentation of Cancer has continued to claim many lives.
“Many women in society are unaware of the importance of routine breast self-examination and often seek medical attention when the disease has advanced”.
Dr Ogoh said, treating cancer is expensive, and prevention is better than a cure. One of the important things organisations can do is to educate women on how to examine their breasts regularly.” If women learn to check their breasts and identify abnormalities early, it will go a long way in reducing late presentation and improving treatment”.
The CMD recounted cases of patients whose breast cancer diagnosis were delayed because symptoms were mistaken for normal breastfeeding-related changes, resulting in advanced disease before treatment commenced.
He also stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment through community engagement, radio programs, social media campaigns and other advocacy platforms.
He also encouraged women to undergo regular Pap smear screening, describing it as an effective tool for early detection and prevention of Cervical cancer.
He assured the Foundation of the hospital’s readiness to support community-based cancer outreaches through the provision of Medical expertise, diagnostic services and screening support.
“If your organisation (Hassy Haven)plans community outreaches, we can collaborate by deploying medical personnel, conducting screening, taking samples of pap smears, analysing them and providing results and follow-up recommendations.”
“The more people we can prevent from developing cancer, the better for all of us”. Early diagnosis could significantly reduce treatment costs and improve survival rates.
Earlier, the Founder of Hassy Haven Cancer Foundation, Hajiya Hussaina Yakubu, said the organisation was established in memory of her late twin sister (Hassana), who died due to Cancer.”Her experience inspired the foundation’s commitment to cancer awareness, early detection,, patient support and health care advocacy
Hussaina said the foundation has carried out awareness campaigns and support visits to cancer patients in health institutions across the state.
The Founder emphasised that the visit to the Army Reference Hospital was aimed at exploring areas of collaboration with the hospital in cancer prevention, awareness creation, screening, diagnosis and treatment support.
She specifically sought partnership opportunities in cervical cancer screening through Pap smear tests, breast cancer screening, pathology services and community outreach services.
“We believe through strategic partnerships such as this, we can intensify cancer awareness, encourage early detection and reduce preventable deaths, while providing hope to those affected by cancer”.
She expressed optimism that collaboration between the Foundation and the hospital would improve access to cancer screening and strengthen efforts to combat the disease.
Asabe Ndoma
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