Health
THE Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Vincent Okpala, says early detection is key to management of cancer.
Okpala said this while interacting with journalists in his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka.
Reflecting on the commemoration of World Cancer Day held every February 4, he noted that his ministry has carried out massive awareness campaigns to enlighten the public on cancer.
“State government has been partnering with global bodies and the media in enlightening people on preventive, detective and curative measures of the disease and other non communicable diseases.
“It is important we know that cancer is among the leading causes of death in the world, and last year we joined a coalition to create more awareness on the disease,’’ Okpala said.
He listed lung, prostate, skin, colon, cervical and breast cancers as common among men and women above 40 years.
The commissioner recommended annual routine examination to ensure early detection and treatment even as he advised for regular exercise, which has proven to lower the risk of some cancers.
“Early detection is important, to this we have conducted classes on self-examination for women and if you notice any change you need to act fast.
“For men, as from age 40, routine doctor checkup helps, from early diagnosis the individual stands a chance of survival,’’ he said.
He cautioned all to abstain from processed foods, smoking, and excessive drinking.
According to him, people use tyre to roast meat and fish, it is wrong as certain materials are deposited in the body that can lead to cancer”
“Processed foods are not healthy, going organic is helpful, exercise also lowers the risk of cancer and we should avoid exposure to a dirty environment.
“Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the body and have the ability to destroy parts of the body.’’
– Feb. 8, 2021 @ 16:57 GMT
Tags: key to management of disease -- says Health Commissioner World Cancer Day: Early detection
