Dr Abbas Abdus-Salam, a Radiation Oncologist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, says early detection and treatment of cancer remain the best opportunity for survival.
Abdus-Salam stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Monday on the sidelines of activities to mark the 2019 World Cancer Day.
“We need to emphasise that the best opportunity to survive cancer is to detect it early; so we need to pay attention to our body system,’’ he said.
According to him, Nigerians must watch out for any changes in the body or long standing wound or blood coming out from the orifices and from the virginal or anus.
“ May be somebody is coughing out blood or there is a swelling somewhere in the body, the breast or any part of the body, these are some of the things people need to pay attention to and should seek medical help as soon as possible,’’ he said.
The oncologist, who further said the number of people who have cancer are increasing, identified the commonest cancer in Nigeria as breast cancer and cervical cancer common in women.
Abdus-Salam said government needed to do more on cancer treatment.
“ We still need to do more on cancer treatment centres and we need government to subsidise cancer treatment for sufferers although things are getting better,’’ he said.
“For example, a new equipment has been installed in Lagos and Abuja teaching hospitals while another is currently being installed in Ibadan here at the University College Hospital,” he said.
