Some medical experts and a cancer survivor, on Sunday emphasised the need for regular screening and early detection of cancer to enhance treatment.
They spoke at a Muslim women health programme in Lagos.
The programme, organised by Bounties Charity Initiate (BCI), was to educate women on health and well-being.
BCI is a non-governmental organisation made up of female Muslim professionals who pooled resources to support women’s health and well-being.
The programme had the theme: “Serenity Now, Finding Peace in a Chaotic World”.
It featured physical exercise, free medical screening, referrals and introduction of products to enhance women’s well-being.
The event was attended mainly by women of child-bearing age.
An oncologist, Dr Bilikis Adetutu-Isowo, who was the keynote speaker at the event, cautioned against seeking medical attention for cancer late.
She said that at that stage, there would be little or nothing that could be done.
“As a woman, as soon as you notice any lump in your breast, do not waste time to go for screening to determine its state,” she said.
She decried non-professional handling of patients in some hospitals, and advised patients to consult experts in the particular area of their health challenge to achieve healing.
Dr Fatimah Habeeb-Adeyemi, a panelist at the event, said that women of child-bearing age and those using hormonal inducement were at a higher risk of cancer.
Adeyemi discouraged having multiple sex partners, saying that such predisposed women to cancer and other sexually-transmitted diseases.
Mrs Oyekemi Bawa-Allah, a cancer survivor, said that having a supportive family helped her to overcome cancer.
Bawa-Allah added that religiously administering the right drugs was essential.
“Cancer is not a death sentence as perceived by many. What is essential is to notice it on time and take the necessary steps to quell it.
“Your emotional support community should include other patients and survivors to relate with them on the best practice to manage it,” she said.
A medical doctor, Rabi Abdullah, advised against stigmatisation of cancer patients, saying that they needed every support.
