Kwara First Lady calls for awareness, prevention of Ovarian cancer

The First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum, Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has stressed the need for amplified community awareness and sensitization on ovarian cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

AbdulRazaq gave this charge at an ovarian cancer sensitization programme organized by the Office of the First Lady, the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICAT), and the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum (NGSF) at the Office of the First Lady, Government House, Ilorin.

She explained that ovarian cancer remains a critical and growing public health concern for women in Nigeria.

The Governor’s wife called for urgent and steady attention through community awareness, early clinical presentation, timely diagnosis, appropriate referral, treatment, and palliative care.

The First Lady commended the State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for investments in the health sector that have positively impacted healthcare delivery in the state.

She applauded NICAT and the NGSF for the laudable initiative that stands to strengthen ovarian cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, commended Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for prioritizing the health sector of the state through various health programs and partnerships.

El-Imam commended Ambassador AbdulRazaq, NICAT, and the NGSF for the laudable sensitization and awareness programme put together, as it stands as a powerful tool in combating the deadly disease.

In the same vein, the Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICAT), Professor Usman Aremu Aliyu, represented by Professor Kike Adeshina, stated that ovarian cancer awareness must lead to action while enjoining women not to ignore any strange signs or symptoms in their bodies.

He further stated that NICAT is committed to working across all levels to strengthen cancer awareness, early detection, and access to quality treatment, while commending the leadership of the state and the Office of the First Lady.

Also, the resource person, Professor Adegboyega Fawole from the University of Ilorin, urged women not to take lightly any unusual feeling in their bodies.