Mrs Akeredolu tasks lecturers, medical students on curbing breast cancer scourge

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, on Friday, tasked lecturers and students of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, to make themselves readily available in the fight against breast cancer.
Mrs Akeredolu, who spoke during the 50th annual symposium, organised by the Dokita Editorial Board of the College of Medicine, said this had become necessary in order to reduce the scourge to the barest in the society.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the symposium had, as its theme, “Non Communicable Diseases in the Nigeria Society.”
She advised both the lecturers and students of the college to imbibe selfless service in curbing the spread of the scourge through awareness and sensitisation.
According to her, “we need to identify ourselves with the problem of the society, especially for the survivors who need a lot of support.
“Breast cancer is survivable and self breast examination is very important and necessary for every woman.
“This is something that has always been recommended for under- developed countries like Nigeria,” she said.
The governor’s wife, who also survived the same scourge 23 years ago, said that she was treated at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, lamenting that there was no enabling environment for cancer management in the country.
She urged government at all levels to include cancer treatment into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), saying it would help cancer patients from experiencing unnecessary financial burden.
The Chairman of the occasion and immediate past Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, described the symposium as an annual tradition of academic pursuit, which had propelled many young medical practitioners into research breakthroughs.
Adewole, who was represented by Prof. Mayowa Owolabi, said that Non-Communicable Diseases had now become everybody’s business, which remained the hidden cause of death globally.
He, therefore, urged everyone to be involved in the fight against breast cancer, noting that curbing the scourge must involve thorough participation of all stakeholders.
The Provost, College of Medicine, UI, Prof. Olapade Olaopa, said that the Dokita editorial board was aimed at addressing the health challenges confronting the society.
NAN reports that Mrs Akeredolu, who is the founder, Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), received the humanitarian services award for her contributions to nation building through her series of programmes. (NAN)