Colorectal Cancer: Niola Cancer Care Foundation Advocates For Early Detection, Good Diet
Niola Cancer Care Foundation in collaboration with Global Colon Cancer Association on Saturday charges Nigerians to increase awareness of colorectal cancer to help prevent avoidable deaths.
The Executive Director and Founder of the Foundation, Mrs Eniola Akintunde made the call on Saturday during the Colorectal Cancer Medical Outreach and Ijoya 6.0 ..the Dews of Life: held at the Akarigbo Palace, Sagamu local government area of Ogun State.
The Programme which witnessed the screening of participants, was according to Mrs Akintunde held to create awareness among Nigerians that Colorectal Cancer is avoidable if necessary steps which include good diet, drinking of water and other healthy living is adhered to.
She noted that most cancer awareness efforts focus on breast, cervical, and prostate cancers, while colorectal cancer remains largely neglected and stressed that Nigerians diagnosed with colorectal cancer are rarely seen or heard, unlike survivors of other forms of cancer.
“Every day, we see the faces of breast cancer survivors, but we rarely hear the stories of those who have survived colorectal cancer
To address this gap, Niola Cancer Care Foundation partnered with the Global Colon Cancer Association to bring this awareness Programme to Sagamu and speak to our people in ways to fight the scourge.
According to the Executive Director and Co-Founder Niola cancer care foundation, Mrs Eniola Akintunde, she brought the program to Remo land to encourage Remo people to be healthy and for them to eat right.
She added that Colon cancer is not the disease of the old people anymore, it is a disease common among younger people even people within the age of 29, 30 years.
“Unfortunately it’s a disease that you can beat, people need not die from colon cancer any longer since we can create awareness and people can get themselves treated.
We want people to eat right and avoid a sedentary lifestyle .
Earlier, the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker while addressing the participants said Colorectal cancer Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, and the incidence and mortality rates continue to increase annually.
She said factors, including genetic, immune, and environmental factors, influence the occurrence and development of Colon Cancer. Along with the economic development, changes in lifestyle, especially dietary factors, have been shown to greatly affect the progression of Colon Cancer
Represented by the Chief Medical Director of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Dr Olubunmi Fatungase, Dr Coker highlighted the benefits of early detection, saying that it will help in fighting the scourge.
Coker emphasised that the Programme is organized to raise awareness and spark urgent discussions on accessible and equitable cancer care in Nigeria and Africa.
She emphasized the importance of health consciousness among young and old people.
“To you people in this arena, I want you to be health champions in your communities, do not ignore any blood in your stool. Research has shown that rectal bleeding is a symptom of colon cancer. Eat organic, limit alcohol, and embrace a healthy lifestyle. Smoking alone has been linked to 16 different types of cancer,” Coker warned.
Many important personalities including royal fathers attended the Programme, while people also undergo tests and were adequately advised on how to avoid Colorectal Cancer.
