The event which is the third edition of the annual memorial cancer awareness of the foundation, with the theme, ‘Cancer Management: The role of surgery’ was held at Chemline House Conference Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Founder of EAACF, Mr Olusegun Anjorin, said the foundation was established in honour of his late wife, Mrs. Ellen Adeyinka Anjorin, who died of cancer colon on July 7, 2019.
He said various experiences during the period of his wife’s sickness gave his family and himself insight into the plights, problems, as well as predicaments of cancer patients and their families.
Anjorin also highlighted some of the challenges of cancer patients and their families to include financial implications, treatment pattern and education, which he noted are paramount issues of concern in cancer management.
He expressed delight at the move of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in launching a three-year campaign for World Cancer Day, beginning from February 4, 2022, through 2024, with the theme, ‘Close the Care Gap’, to promote equity in healthcare provision for all population.
“This will enhance highlighting globally the issue of equity, fairer access to healthcare,” he said.
The founder highlighted factors responsible for the disparity in the areas of access to cancer care in Nigeria and other nations as inadequate knowledge and poor cancer awareness, insufficient funds to meet the huge financial cost of cancer treatment, paucity of modern and appropriately equipped cancer treatment centers, among others.
Anjorin stated that the foremost aim of EAACF is to raise awareness and educate the public on the need for the prevention of cancer, adding that ultimately, the foundation intends to put in place a world-class cancer centre that would be accessible and affordable to all.
To further assist in curbing the increased rate of cancer cases, he called on the government to look into industrial waste management, especially in major cities in Nigeria because of the increase in the rate of industrialisation.
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Olusegun Alatise, said for cancer deaths to reduce significantly in the country, the resources, equipment, and materials used to manage the disease must be made available.
He added that rules are enforced and followed to the letter, as well as proper education of the patients and professionals in the cases and process of cancer management and treatment.
While enumerating the different types of cancer and their treatment, the keynote speaker, Dr. Taiwo Lawal, urged people to go for regular diagnostic checks, as well as seek care when the need arises, so as to curb all kinds of cancer.
He said if the disease is detected early enough there will be high chances of getting more survivors.
The event also featured a panel session on discussions of management and treatment of Enterocutaneous Fistula and other cancer-related issues, self-check screening education, and an awards presentation, among others.
