ASI Ukpo Comprehensive Cancer Health Centre, Calabar has expressed concern over the rate at which cancer is becoming an epidemic in the nation and urged women to go on routine tests and self-examinations against the scourge.
Dr Kanu Ekpo, a medical officer with the centre gave the urge on Wednesday during a Medical Outreach and Cancer Awareness Campaign with the women’s wing of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Calabar Chapter.
Ekpo said the enlightenment for breast and cervical cancers has become very expedient, adding that on weekly, the centre diagnoses at least four cases of cancer.
According to him, women between the ages of 9 and 45 and those who are still sexually active after 45 must start taking preventive measures against cervical and breast cancers which are the most common among women.
“Cancer is becoming an epidemic, so, as a woman, routine self-breast examination is key while getting a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), vaccination is a key preventive measure against cervical cancer.
“We also advise women between the ages of 9 and 45 and those still sexually active after 45 to go for a pap smear which will check for abnormalities in the cells of the cervix.
“There is also the Immuno Globulin G, (IgG) test, for the human papillomavirus and all these services are rendered in Asi Ukpo Comprehensive Cancer Centre to enhance prevention,” he said.
While noting that prevention is key and cheap, Ekpo advised women to avoid multiple sexual partners, hormonal contraceptives, alcohol, and smoking.
He also urged women to vaccinate against HPV.
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