The Chief of Medical Services, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Olabode Babalola, says the public ought to be aware of the danger in the rising cases of cancer.
Babalola made the observation in a programme organised by the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) in Abuja on Wednesday.
“The rising burden of cancer with its attendant high mortality rates in Nigeria, has far reaching implications.
“From a service perspective, the medical branch has observed with great concern, an increase in the number of serving and retired personnel who are diagnosed with various forms of cancer.
Babalola stressed the need for Nigerians, irrespective their sex and age, to give priority to preventive action.
He noted that early detection is important in the fight against cancer.
“It is in line with this that free screening services for cancers of the breast and cervix will be provided during the programme.
“This gesture underscores the commitment of NAFOWA leadership towards improving the wellbeing of the NAF family.
“I want to, therefore, challenge those of us present here to avail ourselves of this great opportunity and get screened,” he advised.
He expressed the readiness of NAF Medical Services in taking immediate responsibility for the treatment of anyone discovered to have issues in the course of the screening exercise.
Babalola commended the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, for ensuring good healthcare for the personnel and their families.
He noted that Amao had continued to prioritise the provision of access to world class healthcare delivery.
He also thanked the National President of NAFOWA, Mrs Elizabeth Amao and the members of the association, for making the occasion a reality.
“I have no doubt that this programme will go a long way in educating people on the importance of taking proactive measures to stay safe,” she said.
Earlier, the guest speaker, Dr. Uchechukwu Shagaya, advised Nigerians to observe development in their physical being on daily basis.
Shagaya said in most cases, the only solution to cancer management had been to detect cancer early enough.
She, however, advised men to avoid smoking, since study had shown that smoking is one of the causative factors of the disease.
Shagaya also advised women to examine their breasts and physical being on daily basis for early detection of cancer.
The programme is in collaboration with NAF Medical Services branch to create awareness and to screen its members and NAF personnel.
The event was in commemoration of the Breast Cancer Awareness Day marked globally to raise awareness on breast cancer, encourage its prevention, detection and treatment.
