Akanimo Cancer Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) on Thursday,
raised awareness among Abuja residents about childhood cancer symptoms, early detection, and treatment to enhance survival prospects.
To commemorate the 2024 International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) themed “Unveiling Challenges,” the foundation organized a walk and awareness campaign in Wuse market, Abuja, and various surrounding areas.
Celebrated globally on February 15 each year, ICCD is an international collective effort to increase awareness of childhood cancer and demonstrate solidarity with children, adolescents, survivors, and their families affected by this disease.
Cancer Walk
Speaking during the walk, Dr Oyesakin Adewumi, a Paediatrician with the National Hospital Abuja (NHA), said over 50 per cent of the causes of cancer are genetic, with others attributed to factors like smoke exposure and diet.
Dr Adewumi emphasized the importance of regular medical checkups, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment to improve chances of survival for children with cancer and other ailments.
The paediatrician said “The role of early detection cannot be overemphasized, as it enables quick implementation of the right line of treatment, and with that, the survival rate is higher.
“We have children whose cases were detected early and are being cured and are doing so well now. The common signs and symptoms are persistent fever, recurrent infection, and a child looking white or pale, bleeding from time to time. When you see recurrent infection, take the child to the hospital.”
In her remarks, Dr Idorenyin Usoh, a member of the foundation, said poor awareness levels on childhood cancer, especially among low-income earners, uneducated ones and people at the community level, prompted the group to embark on the walk.
Dr Usoh said misconceptions and myths surrounding childhood cancer is affecting access to treatment and increased mortality caused by cancer disease.
“Cancer is very aggressive; it attacks the body and needs urgent medical intervention. Government and other stakeholders need to keep creating awareness and include treatment under the health insurance scheme to enable children have access to healthcare, especially those from poor and vulnerable families,” she said.
She additionally appealed for assistance to individuals battling cancer and organizations providing support, stating that such support would alleviate the burden on parents of affected children.
Dr Usoh mentioned that the foundation was created in memory of her nephew, Akanimo, diagnosed with cancer at the age of 10 in 2017.
His prolonged life was attributed to heightened awareness and timely access to diagnosis, treatment, and healthcare services.