Cancer: Foundation sensitises Abuja residents on early detection, treatment

On Feb 15, 2024

An NGO, Akanimo Cancer Foundation, on Thursday, sensitised Abuja residents on symptoms, early detection and treatment of childhood cancer to improve chances of survival.

The foundation embarked on a walk and sensitisation in Wuse market, Abuja, and some areas to commemorate the 2024 International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) with the theme: “Unveiling Challenges.”

Annually marked on Feb. 15 around the world, ICCD is a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer, and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families.

Dr Oyesakin Adewumi, a Paediatrician with the National Hospital Abuja (NHA), said over 50 per cent of the causes of cancer is genetic, while others are
due to exposure to smoke, diet, poisonous substances, among others.

Adewumi, therefore, stressed the need for regular medical checkup, early diagnosis and treatment to improve chances of survival for children with cancer and other ailments.

The paediatrician said “the role of early detection cannot be overemphasised, as it enables quick implementation of the right line of treatment; and with that, the survival rate is higher. We have children whose cases were detected early and are being cured and are doing so well now. The common signs and symptoms are persistent fever, recurrent infection, and a child looking white or pale, bleeding from time to time. When you see recurrent infection, take the child to the hospital.”

On her part, Dr Idorenyin Usoh, a member of the foundation, said poor level of awareness on childhood cancer, especially among low income earners, uneducated and people at the community level, prompted the group to embark on the walk.

She said misconceptions and myths surrounding childhood cancer had affected access to treatment and increased mortality caused by cancer disease.

She added that “cancer is very aggressive; it attacks the body and needs urgent medical intervention. Government and other stakeholders need to keep creating awareness and include treatment under the health insurance scheme to
enable children have access to healthcare, especially those from poor and vulnerable families. She also called for support to people with cancer or organisations that render support to them, saying “the support will reduce pressure off the parents of such children.”

Usoh said that the foundation was established in memory of her nephew, Akanimo, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 at 10 years, but lived
longer due to awareness and access to early diagnosis, treatment and healthcare services.

NAN/Wura