Foundation Raises Alarm Over Prevalence Of Cancer
From = Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Worried by the increasing rate of Cancer patients in Imo State and Nigeria at large, HRM Queen Serah Ukasoanya of Queen Serah Foundation has raised alarm that demands urgent attention in early detection and treatment of the killer disease.
Ukasoanya disclosed this in Owerri over the weekend while her Non Governmental Organization, NGO is marking the 2021 World Cancer Day awareness with a theme – I am And I Will” as the organization did a two kilometers road show.
The trekking road show which was led by Queen Serah Ukasoanya which started at Government House Okigwe Road Roundabout, Owerri terminated at the State Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Orlu Road, Owerri and was actively participated by Hon. Mrs Joseph Nneoham, Special Adviser to Imo State Government on Women Mobilisation and the State Woman Leader of APC with her intimidating team and entourage.
Others who also participated were students of Girl’s Secondary School,Akwakuma, delegated rural women from the 27 council areas of the state, members and staff of the NGO among others as the moderator was using microphone in enlightening the general publics on the dangers associated with cancer, the need for early detection and professional medical attention.
According to the founder and financier of the NGO “I am and I Will Campaign, show us that our action has an impact on every one around us . When we choose to come together, we can achieve what we all wish for, an idea of brighter world without cancer. Our actions matters, so lets join hands together and speak out and stand out for a Cancer free world. Our time to act is now, no matter who you’re, we all have a positive and important role to play to reduce the impact of cancer. Therefore, lets get involved any way we can, cause together we can get change ” he assured.
Speaking earlier, Mrs. Josephine Nneoham, who was also the Chief Host of the historic occasion applauded the founder of Queen Serah Foundation for her labour of love in humanitarian services, despite her youthful age noting also that cancer kills and that the only remedy is early detection and adequate medical attention.
Nneoham popularly known as great mobilizer assured to mobilize her team comprising mainly women to carry the message to all the nooks and crannies of the state.
She commended Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state for demonstrating passion on things concerning health and welfare of the populace.
Adding his voice, Chief Tony Akunaeme, the Senior Special Adviser to Imo State Government on Information, Communication and Technology, ICT Commended Queen Serah Ukasoanya for her humanitarian vision while reiterating the commitment of his office to continued partnering with the NGO.
Earlier, Mrs. Maureen Iwuchukwu of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, BRECAN who was one of the resource persons described cancer as uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells in the body.
Iwuchukwu named principally three types of cancer to include prostrate, breast and cervical cancers attributing the causes to obesity, hereditary, excess consumption of alcohol, smoking and lack of breast feeding among others.
To prevent Cancer, she canvassed the need for regular exercise, drinking water, minimization of constant exposure to X- Ray, eating more of vegetables and fruits and cautioned against regular eating of junk foods.
The signs of Cancer, the expert said include decolouration of breast fluid, lump(s) identification in the breast, changes in the nipples and discharges from the nipples among others and reiterated the need for regular medical checkup.
