Coco-Bassey Esu, Anonymous, Dr Inyang Asibong, and Leo Asuquo Boco
Efio-Ita Nyok, 27 August 2016.
The Cross River State Ministry of Health under the indefatigable leadership of its Honourable Commissioner, Dr Inyang Asibong today partnered with Leo Club District 404A4 Nigeria, the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and Nigerian Medical Women Association (NMWA) in creating awareness on Prostrate Cancer.
The Prostrate Cancer awareness campaign held today in the state capital city, Calabar in the wee hours (8-10AM) with a 10km walk beginning from Mobil Filling Station at Murtala Mohammed Highway to Roundabout at Watt Market.
At the termination point being Roundabout at Watt Market, the entire contingent addressed the attracted crowd of onlookers constituting traders, passerby, commuters, clients, etc.
In her speech Commissioner Asibong identified what she referred to as Human Papiloma Virus to be the cause of Cervical Cancer in women. However, the Honourable Commissioner intimated the crowd that the cause of Prostate Cancer in men is unknown. In her words, 'Prostate Cancer often has no symptoms unless the growth presses on the Urethra'. The state health boss who was ably represented by Dr Ani Nchiwe, the Cross River State chapter President of Medical Women Association of Nigeria further informed that 'Getting regularly screened for Prostate Cancer can be an important step in prevention'.
On her part, the Director General of Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Betta Edu told the crowd that smoking, drinking of excessive alcohol, having multiple sex partner etc can predispose an individual to Prostate Cancer in men or Cancer of the Cervix in women. She advised that early detection by getting screened can avert Cancer. In Dr Betta Edu's words, the 10 km walk was to 'ensure that everyone, including the grassroots becomes aware of cancer, every woman and man should get screened'.
According to Leo Asuquo Boco, the then President-elect of Leo District 404A4 Nigeria, the Cancer Awareness campaign was part of activities to mark his installation as president at Axari Hotel later that morning. The awareness campaign ended with the representative of the health Commissioner, DG of CRSPHCDA and members of Leo District 404A4 Nigeria dancing around the Watt Market Roundabout.
Efio-Ita Nyok
Is a Blogger & Editor of Negroidhaven.com (Negroid Haven)
