Niola Cancer Care Foundation Join Forces With First E & P to Tackle Colorectal Cancer Awareness in Nigeria

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

Niola Cancer Care Foundation, in collaboration with First E&P, has launched a public awareness campaign to address the growing issue of colorectal cancer in Nigeria and across Africa. 

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News report that the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Niola Cancer Care Foundation, Eniola Akintunde, during an awareness programme held in Abeokuta called the attention of Nigerians to the rising incidence of colorectal cancer in Nigeria, noting that the organization is committed to raising awareness and prevention of the emerging health issue.

Addressing market traders at the popular Omida market in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Mrs. Akintunde stressed that early screening and diagnosis can save lives and called on the Government to increase funding and support for advocacy efforts.

The initiative aims to educate the public about the importance of early detection and screening for colorectal cancer, which can significantly improve outcomes and potentially lead to a cure.

The foundation reported that in 2023 alone, over 70,000 deaths and more than 100,000 new cases of colorectal cancer were recorded in Nigeria. 

Akintunde emphasized that the disease is treatable if detected early, urging Nigerians to adopt a culture of regular screening rather than waiting until costly treatment becomes necessary.

"Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in Nigeria," she noted. 

"This is why Niola, in partnership with First E&P, is working to reach more people and communities to spread the message about early screening."

OTN News reports that the Babaloja of Ibara Kingdom and chairman of the Maternity Health Centre in Oke-Ilewo, Alhaji Saobanu Ajani, praised the foundation for the initiative, urging everyone to prioritize regular medical checkups. 

"People often ignore screenings until it's too late. Even once a year can make a difference," he said.

Representing Dr. Atinuke Duze, Health Secretary of Abeokuta South Local Government Health Authority, Pharmacist Olotu Adetu encouraged participants to lead healthier lifestyles, increase physical activity, and be mindful of their diets to reduce their risk of colorectal cancer. 

Adetu also highlighted that regular medical checkups could help catch emerging symptoms early, adding that a diagnosis of colorectal cancer is not a death sentence.

The Otun Iyaloja of Omida, one of the participants, expressed gratitude for the foundation's choice of Omida market as the venue for this awareness campaign. 

She committed to sharing the information with her peers, adding, "I feel better educated about colorectal cancer today and will make necessary changes to my diet."

The Niola Cancer Care Foundation continues to advocate for preventive healthcare measures and urges the public to prioritize their health, promoting early diagnosis as an effective way to combat colorectal cancer in Nigeria. 

As a member of the Global Colorectal Cancer Association and the Nigeria Cancer Society, Niola Cancer Care Foundation remains dedicated to raising awareness and fostering early presentation for colorectal cancer prevention.