The coordinator,
International Cancer Week Initiative, Ifeoma Okoye, on Wednesday said
that about 40 percent of cancer cases are preventable. Addressing
journalists on the forthcoming World Cancer Day coming up on February
4, Mrs. Okoye said that cancer could be prevented by focusing on how to
reduce the risk of developing the terminal disease. She said that the
ICW, in collaboration with the Union for International Cancer Control,
aimed to create more awareness on stopping tobacco use and the
avoidance of exposure to second-hand smoke.
She advised people
to limit alcohol consumption, avoid excessive sun exposure and maintain
a healthy weight through healthy eating and regular exercise to protect
them from cancer-causing infections.
Mrs. Okoye said
that ICW would provide training to improve the practice and research of
oncology in Nigeria with a focus on the peculiarities of the
socio-cultural and economic needs of the country.
“The initiative aims to create an opportunity to bring different cancer stakeholders in Nigeria to dialogue,” Mrs. Okoye said.
According to her,
ICW would be organising a youth jamboree as a platform to create
awareness of cancer among Nigerian youths. UICC is the leading
international non-governmental organisation dedicated to the global
prevention and control of cancer based in Switzerland. It unites more
than 300 member-organisations in more than 100 countries working to
eliminate cancer as a life-threatening disease for future generations.
Established in 2009, ICW is a Nigerian initiative supported by the
Federal Ministry of Health to sustain national awareness and education
on cancer.
NAN
