BY EVELYN DADU, ABUJA – The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has declared that unless government intervenes significantly, more Nigerians would continue to die of cancer.
NAWOJ therefore 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.
It also urged government to commit adequate resources to reduce cancer death by providing better quality of life for patients and survivors.
This is just as the Association urged individuals to go for checkups and examination for cancer regularly, saying that early detection saves lives.
These were contained in a statement jointly signed by the National President and National Secretary of NAWOJ, Comrade Ladi Bala and Helen Udofa respectively, as part of Women Journalists’ programmes marking this Year’s World Cancer Day which is observed every February 4.
NAWOJ noted that everyone has the capacity to address the cancer burden, saying; “Together, we can work to reduce cancer risk factors and overcome barriers to early diagnosis, treatment and palliative care in Nigeria”.
It further said; “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 2021 global theme: I Am And I Will, acknowledges the fact that our commitment to act will lead to powerful progress in reducing the global impact of cancer and create a cancer-free world. 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”.
It noted that as February 4, is observed as World Cancer Day, it said that it is an international event to raise awareness of cancer and encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.
NAWOJ said even though the Federal Government, last year, allayed fears of a rise in Nigeria’s cancer burden; saying it has upgraded seven tertiary health institutions to manage invasive cancer and cancer-related illnesses in the country, there are still some factors still militating against government efforts at effectively combating cancer scourge in Nigeria.
It said; “These include poor awareness, poor health seeking behaviour, low level of non-governmental investments, low number of skilled health care personnel, funding gaps. Other factors are the myopic view that cancer is a disease of the rich amid the reality that the poor and downtrodden are suffering in silence as well as myths and misconceptions that lead to stigmatization and discrimination against people living with cancer,” NAWOJ enthused.
The women journalists also called on Non-Governmental organizations, civil societies and other stakeholders to intensify advocacies and organize more sensitization programmes, especially in rural areas, to enlighten the public on preventive measures to reduce the prevalence of the killer disease.
The NAWOJ National President and National Secretary opined that there is no doubt that there is cure when detected early, thus encouraged regular checkups and examinations as most cancers can be removed with either drugs, radiotherapy or surgeries when detected early.
