The Governor of Osun, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday in Ile-Ife joined in advising Nigerians that early detection of cancer saves life.
Adeleke gave the advice while declaring open a three-day symposium commemorating the 10th anniversary of the African Research Group for Oncology (ARGO).
The event was held at the Clinical Skills Lecture Theatre of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC).
Adeleke, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr Adekunle Akindele, said early detection would lead to early treatment.
”This will help us in saving the several lives being lost to cancer,” he said.
The governor then commended the conveners of ARGO for their initiative.
He said the two conveners —- Prof. Olusegun Alatise and Prof. Peter Kingham —- were worthy of emulation for their thoughtfulness and sacrifice for humanity.
While speaking on the theme: “Changing the Cancer Care Landscape in Nigeria: the Role of Innovation, Collaboration and Implementation”.
Also, the symposium’s keynote speaker, Prof Isaac Adewale, noted that cancer should not be seen as a death sentence but something that can be managed and treated, if detected early.
Adewole frowned at the medical tourism Nigerians regularly embarked upon, pointing out that cancer can be treated and managed in Nigeria and by Nigerians.
“However, I believe there is the need for more awareness, and I charge the media and all present to sensitise the people more on this,” he said.
Speaking also, Prof. Alatise, appreciated his ARGO team and other colleagues in other departments for deeming it fit to grace the occasion.
Alatise disclosed that ARGO is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) and approved Colorectal Cancer Consortium.
He said he has hopes of changing the face of cancer in Nigeria and ensure that every cancer patient get the same treatment as the cancer patients abroad
Alatise added that surgery can be performed anywhere once the surgeon was well trained and equipped.
“The overall pursuit of ARGO is to improve cancer care in Africa.
“Our training activities are geared towards building the capacity of healthcare providers for improved service delivery in terms of cancer patients’ management as well as building the capacity of the same set of professionals for conducting cutting-edge cancer research.
“The overall goal of these endeavours is to bridge the gap between the quality of cancer care in Africa and that of the developed nations,” he said.
Those who attended the event included the Chief Medical Director, OAUTHC, Prof. John Okeniyi, the Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Prof Simeon Bamire.
Bamire was represented by OAU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Development), Prof. Akanni Akinyemi.(NAN)
Source: News Agency of Nigeria