An Advocacy group known as The National Association of Seadogs has carried out a campaign on Prostrate cancer screening and awareness, at the Bola Ahmed Primary Healthcare Centre in Akowonjo, Alimosho Local Government Area in Lagos.
The President of the Lagos( Egbeda) Chapter of the Association, Mr Hassan Aidorolo said the objectives of the free prostate cancer awareness was to create awareness about Prostate Cancer among men residing within the Akowonjo environ in Alimosho LGA of Lagos State.
He said they would also screen and detect prostate cancer among men above 40 years and ultimately reduce morbidity and mortality due to prostate cancer.
While reacting to the successful hosting of the event, Mr Hassan Aidorolo elaborated on the impact of the Association in the Health and Physical wellness of the community which it has constantly been engaged in.
The Medical officer of the Association, Mr Emeka Onwuasoanya also participated in the campaign as he counseled participants on how their lifestyle could also help in reducing the occurrence of ailments and prostate cancer inclusive.
The campaign reached out to hundreds of people in the locality while close to a hundred men were screened for cancer.
The event was partnered by The Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board and Olukemi Specilaist Clinic and Urologist Centre, Akure, Ondo State.
The Medical Director of Olukemi Specialist Clinic and Urologist Centre, Dr Olurotimi Ogundiniyi lectured participants and also screened them.
He was delighted at the eagerness showed by many of them to get enlightened about their health status as it relates to the prostate.
The Director of Medical Services and Disease Control,Dr Erinosho and the Assistant Director of Medical Services and Disease Control, Dr Tosin Onasanya were both instrumental to the partnership from the Lagos State Board while the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) of Bola Tinubu Primary Health Centre, and staffs were on ground to provide support for the Association to carry out this campaign without any hitches.
Screening was carried out using measurement of Prostate Specific Antigens (PSA).
The Association shared Information, Education and Communication Materials to participants and also lectured them in Yoruba and English for better understanding.
Participants at the event showed appreciation to the organisers as they could not have been eager to go and test themselves owing to the cost of tests so the opportunity presented to them was God sent.
Some of the Participants said they were hearing of such cancer for the first time and were happy they attended the event.
About Prostrate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Nigeria. Also, it is the most common cause of cancer death in Nigerian men above 50 years.
The prostate gland which weighs about 20 grams equivalent to the size of a walnut, its function is to make the seminal fluid which enriches the make semen. As men grow older this organ tends to increase or enlarge which in some cases can be cancerous. This is popularly known as Prostate Cancer.
The two most common tests used to detect Prostate Cancer are Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). The most effective method for early detection of prostate cancer is the combined use of these tests.
The National Association of Seadogs, Egbeda Chapter first had this exercise in 2018, where 37 males were screened for Prostate Cancer and those who required more attention were directed to designate facilities for further checks.
Confidence Okwuchi
