LAPO screens 12.4 million persons on cancer in seven months

The management of Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) said about 12.4 million women and other community members benefitted from its Community Campaign for Cancer Control (LAPO-C4) project between November 2016 and May 2017.

Sabina Idowu-Osehobo, the executive director of LAPO who gave the breakdown in Benin-City at a press conference said almost 102,000 new cases of cancer occur annually in Need Beria with over 60 percent in women due to breast and cervical cancer.

Osehobo added that the 2-year project is aimed at reducing cancer related deaths in Nigeria with focus on prevention and early detection through mass awareness creation, screening, and referrals for treatment.

She disclosed that 3,458 women benefitted from the LAPO/Edo State Cervical Cancer Programme between April and September 2012 with those diagnosed with Human Papillona Virus (HPV) and vulnerable to cervical cancer treated freely.

She said a total of 3,409 persons were screened for various cancer infections, 580 referred for treatment while 12,362,957 community members were sensitized on cancer control during the period.

The LAPO executive director attributed the main barriers inhibiting cancer control in Nigeria to poor access to screening services and inadequate awareness.

She however noted that with early detection, over 80 percent of cancer cases are preventable and 40 percent of the disease eradicated by changes in lifestyle.

Osehobo further posited that the organisation has over the years been involved in community health improvement and support for health facility upgrading in rural communities.

She however implored women, particularly those of child bearing age against toying with their health but ascertain their health status regularly through periodic medical check-up, as breast and cervical cancer posed serious threat to their lives.

 IDRIS UMAR MOMOH, Benin