As the world marks World Cancer Day, a Non-Governmental Organisation, Helpline Foundation for the Needy, has called for constant checks in the treatment and prevention of the deadly disease that has claimed millions of lives around the globe.
The founder and president of the group, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, hinted that early detection has been identified as a means to control and prevent the spread of cancer while stressing that the effect of new treatments for cancer on mortality has been largely disappointing.
She, however, called for the establishment of cancer testing centres by all tiers of government, while affirming that the most promising approach to the control of cancer is a national commitment to prevention.
Ahmadu, 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.
Speaking on the 2021 theme: “Together, all actions matter”, Ahmadu affirmed that the theme was a reminder of the enduring power of cooperation and collective action, noting that collective actions have an impact on every neighbourhoods, communities and city.
Ahmadu stated that “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 an urgent need for government at all levels to set up cancer testing centres.
She continued; “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 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”.
