The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hassy Haven Foundation has called on Nigerians to prioritize regular health checks to detect early stages of killer diseases such as cancer from making negative impact
This is contained in statement issued by Hussaina Mohammed Yakubu as part activities to mark this year’s World Cancer Day in Kaduna
Krestnews reports that the founder of Founder of the Foundation also lost her twin sister to cancer sometimes in October last year 2023 after battling the disease for 8 years
She expressed the determination of the Foundation to help in creating awareness on the menace of Cancer in Nigeria, saying in Nigeria statistics shows that in 2020 over 78,000 Nigerians died due to cancer related diseases
“Our focus includes raising awareness, advocating for improved access to treatment for sufferers, research for cure as well as providing support to affected individuals, particularly vulnerable persons such as girls, orphans and widows in the society”
She further explained that if the figure of those that succumbed to cancer in the year 2020, 44,699 were females while 34,200 were males.
Hussaina further revealed that statistics from the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Nigeria reports 120,000 new cases annually.
“Cancer has emerged as a pressing health concerns in Nigeria, impacting 28% of the population either directly or indirect through family members.
She reiterated the need for the country’s health managers to key into the global vision which was the theme of this year’s World Cancer Day by closing the care gap.
“A significant challenge is the inadequacy of cancer treatment in Nigeria, notably in the North west geopolitical zone where the absence of Radiotherapy machines poses a formidable obstacle, she further explained.