Why we should take cancer seriously

There is this erroneous believe among a section of Nigerians that cancer is not a disease of the poor man or that it does not even affect Nigerians.   Unfortunately, people are dying of the disease and most times people do not even know they have the disease until it has eaten deep into their systems.  […]

There is this erroneous believe among a section of Nigerians that cancer is not a disease of the poor man or that it does not even affect Nigerians.  

Unfortunately, people are dying of the disease and most times people do not even know they have the disease until it has eaten deep into their systems.  There is a need for awareness on the causes of this disease and what people affected can do about it. 

Yearly, Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate Cancer Day, but after that nothing much is heard about it. Health personnel and other stakeholders should take up the challenge of educating the populace about this disease.

Also, government should ensure that screening centres are provided at all major health facilities, just as the drugs should be made available and at affordable price. Many Nigerians will be saved if that is done. 

It is sad to note that many people in the country still believe that witchcraft is responsible for some deaths that can be traced medically.  Our doctors should engage in researches so that they can find solutions to some of these health issues that have defied solution.  

Tope Abiola wrote from Ikeja, Lagos