betty keredolu
1 lady betty keredoluwife of waved Governor of the State, has asked for more
innovative approach to reduce cancer burden in Nigeria.
Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria International Symposium on Breast Cancer
2 She revealed this at the 25th Anniversary and 4th International Breast Cancer Symposium of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, (BRECAN) in Ibadan.
3 The Nigerian News Agency reports that the event themed “Bridging the Care Gap” is taking place from October 13-15.
Akeredolu, who is also president of BRECAN, said the country’s cancer prevalence and mortality necessitated the need for more innovative cancer control programming.
Low and middle income countries
4 He said that complete and accurate data was essential to drive a more effective cancer control program in Nigeria, as well as in other low- and middle-income countries(LMICy).
5 According to her, from the behavioral sciences to the biological sciences, knowledge must drive action against cancer.
6 The governor’s wife said that data was also important and a powerful tool for planning.
7 The president of BRECAN said that the lack of adequate data on cancer registries, cases, specific stages, treatment options, survivors, mortality and other key indicators made it difficult to implement cancer programs in Nigeria.
8 Akeredolu said that the true representation of the reality of cancer does not yet exist, saying that the available date were mainly estimates, which are in fact underestimated.
9 “This makes it difficult for cancer advocates to convey the true picture of the reality of cancer in Nigeria to policymakers in order to secure political will and action,” he said.
10 He said that the system needed to be improved to include the accurate collection, management, analysis and reporting of cancer data, which was the focus of the fourth international symposium on breast cancer.
11 “As we celebrate BRECAN 25 years of active work to improve breast cancer outcomes through awareness, patient support, advocacy and research.
12 “Having data that represents our population as Black Africans is critical for cancer diagnostic and treatment technologies tailored to our population type,” he said.
13 The governor’s wife argued that cancer survivors should get involved to learn what works for the population and put faces to cancer success stories.
14 “Success stories are qualitative testimony to the general public that cancer can be beaten if the right steps are taken quickly; therefore, improving cancer outcome in our region,” Akeredolu said.
YAYA reports that the three-day event, which featured several other presentations on the causes, effects and solution to the burden of cancer, is expected to end on Saturday, October 15.
News sourceCredit: NAN
