By Stanley Onyekwere
An Abuja-based Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Helpline Foundation for the Needy, has stressed the need for establishment of cancer testing centres, so as to assist in the treatment and prevention of the disease that has claimed millions of lives around the globe.
The founder and president of the group, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, told journalists in Abuja that early detection has been identified as a means to control and prevent the spread of cancer, as the effect of new treatments for cancer on mortality has been largely disappointing.
Ahmadu affirmed that the most promising approach to the control of cancer is a commitment by tiers of Government towards prevention.
She lamented that despite decades of basic and clinical research and trials of promising new therapies, cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, just as she called for collective action against cancer.
She noted that the enduring power of cooperation and collective actionnhave an impact on every neighbourhoods, communities and cities.
“The war against cancer is far from over. This is because despite decades of basic and clinical research and trials of promising new therapies, cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality.
“The effect of new treatments for cancer on mortality has been largely disappointing. Therefore, the most promising approach to the control of cancer is a national commitment to prevention. There is urgent need for government at all levels to set up cancer testing centres.
“Above all, our collective actions have an impact on everyone around us, within our neighbourhoods, communities and cities.
“Besides, our actions are also being felt across borders. That is the reason why Helpline Foundation for the Needy aligns ourselves with this year’s Cancer Day theme; ‘Together, all of our actions matter’.
“This year is a reminder of the enduring power of collective action. When we choose to come together, we can achieve what we all wish for: a healthier, brighter world without cancer,” Ahmadu stated.
