The wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi has charged the general public not to take cancer diagnosis as a death sentence rather, they should encourage patients to seek adequate medical attention to survive the scourge.
Dr Ajimobi gave the charge while speaking at the event organized by the Access to Basic Care (ABC) foundation to mark the World Cancer Day at the Bodija international School.
The wife of the governor also inaugurated Just Us Girls’ (JUGs) club at the school, a club with a medical outlook aimed at training girls who will champion the fight against cancer in Oyo state and Nigeria at large. The club is the first of its kind in Nigeria.
Mrs Ajimobi asserted that breast and cervical cancer are the most prevalent in women and early detection through breast self examination, pap smear test and mammogram will prevent cancer mortality rate. She further stated that cancer can be beaten with the right attitude and practices.
In a message directed at the young girls, she advised the girls to abstain from sex as early sexual activity increases the chances of cervical cancer. She therefore admonished them to resist any form of pressure from their peers or friends.
In general, she encouraged the children to work hard in their academic pursuit and strive for excellence and success in all their day to day activities adding that this is the only reward for their parents’ investment in their academics.
The project coordinator from ABC foundation, Dr Sola Oriniowo said the focus of the project is to teach the children about cancer, its likely causes and possible prevention; and to also raise a young generation that will lead the combat against cancer.
The medical coordinator, Dr Oluwatobi Lawrence affirmed that breast cancer used to be a threat to women above the age of 50, but recent studies have shown that men and younger people are equally prone to cancer too.
She prescribed good diet and breast self examination as a key factor in detecting breast cancer, as these are major factors in increasing the survival rate
The Director of the college, Mrs Funmi Williams said the session was not only engaging but was also educative for both the students and the members of staff.
She appreciated the Wife of the Governor for initiating the Just Us Girls (JUGs) club and for starting it off at the Bodija international School promising that the school will keep the flag flying high.
