The wife of the Executive Governor of Rivers State,Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, has identified increased awareness and education on Cancer as the best measure to reduce the effects of the scourge in the society.
She made the call in a statement to commemorate this year’s World Cancer Day.
According to her, the aim of the yearly observance is to save millions of preventable deaths by raising awareness and education on cancer in our various communities and further appealed to Governments, Non Governmental Organizations, private corporations and individuals across the world, to join in initiating plans and action that will help in the prevention and successful treatment of the deadly disease.
“The more we know, the more progress we can make in reducing risk factors, increasing prevention and improving cancer diagnosis, treatment and care”,the statement read in part.
Justice Nyesom-Wike maintained that more than one third of cancer cases can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices such as, abstinence from tobacco, limiting alcohol intake, protection from the sun with a hat and/or sunshades, maintaining diets that are low in fat and rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and regular medical check ups are adhered to.
She posited that awareness would also help reduce fear, increase understanding, dispel myths, misconceptions and change behaviours and attitudes against cancer patients and survivors.
She further noted that in line with this year’s campaign theme: “I am and I will”,everyone has the power to take positive steps and action towards reducing the impact this killer disease has on our loved ones, families and communities at large.
World Cancer Day is a global health observance day aimed at raising awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment.
