NGO to launch campaign against cancer

“Eat and Screen’, an NGO on youth-driven health sensitisation programme against cancer says it is set to launch a campaign on cancer awareness in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Mr Caleb Egwuenu, the Project Director of the NGO, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said the initiative was geared toward creating awareness on the fight against cancer, especially the younger population.

He added that “our primary aim is to promote healthy eating and regular screening across genders in our society.

“Our belief, which is an element of this approach, supports the knowledge that early detection is a great tool to fight and survive cancer.

“If those who were diagnosed of cancer at a later stage have prior knowledge of the availability of cancer detection screening, they would have been able to access early treatment.”

According to him, the maiden edition of the bi-monthly cancer sensitisation will take place on Oct. 29 at Maubby’s Purple Box of the Maitama Amusement Park in Abuja.

He added that “as we know, October is the awareness month for breast cancer; therefore, we have seized this opportunity to launch the sensitisation.

“It will afford participants the opportunity to have free breast cancer, blood pressure, sugar level and BMI tests and screening from noon to 4 p.m.

“This will help to reduce cancer-related burdens and its consequent death rate in our society.”

Egwuenu said that the event would feature stakeholders in entertainment including comedians and music artistes, who would help in lauding the anti-cancer campaign.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the NGO will carry out the sensitisation with Stand Up To Cancer Nigeria (SUCN), a sister NGO on youth-based cancer advocacy.

The NGO, in collaboration with relevant health organisations has been holding free screening exercises across Nigeria over the years.

NAN reports that Stand Up To Cancer Nigeria provides essential medical information for people affected by or concerned about cancer.