Medical personnel express concern on rising cases of cancer
The Chief of Medical Services, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Olabode Babalola, has expressed great concern with the danger in the rising cases of cancer in the country.
Making the observation in a programme organised by the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) in Abuja on Wednesday, Commodore Babalola noted that the rising burden of cancer with its attendant high mortality rates in Nigeria, has far reaching implications.
According to him, “From a service perspective, the medical branch has observed with great concern, an increase in the number of serving and retired personnel who are diagnosed with various forms of cancer.”
He explained that there is the need for Nigerians, irrespective of their sex and age, to give priority to preventive action, stressing that the early detection is important in the fight against cancer.
He added that it is in line with this that free screening services for cancers of the breast and cervix would be provided during the programme.
He stated that the gesture underscores the commitment of NAFOWA leadership towards improving the wellbeing of the NAF family.
He, therefore, challenged those present to avail themselves of the great opportunity and get screened.
He assured of the readiness of NAF Medical Services in taking immediate responsibility for the treatment of anyone discovered to have issues in the course of the screening exercise with a view of reducing the disease.
Babalola commended the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, for ensuring good healthcare for the personnel and their families, saying that it would go a long way to curb the disease.
He hailed the efforts of the National President of NAFOWA, Mrs Elizabeth Amao and the members of the association, for making the occasion a reality.
He said that the programme would go a long way in educating people on the importance of taking proactive measures to stay safe.
Earlier, the guest speaker, Dr. Uchechukwu Shagaya, advised Nigerians to observe development in their physical being on daily basis in order to keep themselves from being affected by some diseases.
Shagaya observed that in most cases, the only solution to cancer management advised men to avoid smoking, since study had shown that smoking is one of the causative factors of the disease.
Shagaya also advised women to help themselves examine their breasts and physical being on daily basis for early detection of cancer.
The programme is in collaboration with NAF Medical Services branch to create awareness and to screen its members and NAF personnel.
