CANCER AWARENESS PROGRAMME BY PROJECT PINK BLUE

Mitchell Obama asserts:"Success isn't about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people's life." To this respect, I salute the courage and tenacity of Project PinkBlue towards the advocacy and financial support of Cancer victims.

The residents of Ikeja and its environs, experienced an unusual Saturday as the Awolowo way was decorated with beautifully and sportingly dressed volunteers, who had taken to the street to “CHOKE CANCER” in an Awareness Walk. 

The walk kicked off with an interesting aerobic session, after which the LASMA vehicle and DJ Truck, led the eager volunteers down to Ikeja under-bridge then back to the Lagos Television (LTV) premises where the Cancer screening, ultra scan,as well as cervical Cancer examination was conducted by Professionals on several people.

Project PinkBlue asserts : 
“Nigeria has been rated the 1^st in Africa and 5^th in the world with the largest deaths with over 26 women dying daily”. Now here is a question for you: HAVE YOU BEEN EXAMINED?

I was privileged to be a volunteer for Project PinkBlue on Saturday 7^th of October, 2017 and I equally underwent a breast Cancer screening to ascertain there was no lump, mist or any other strange growth in my breast. I therefore, write to appeal to every woman to go for a breast and cervical examination, for a proof that their health is not under the siege of Cancer or related diseases. It is also advisable to engage in regular self examination.

Speaking with one of the Survivors Comfort Onyayi Daniel, she told us how she was unaware of the gradual growth in her breast and upon discovering after a test, she simply accepted her fate to die. 

She revealed that God’s mercy visited her, when Project PinkBlue picked interest in her and sponsored her treatment, which was to the tone of 18 Million Naira. 

She praised the great effort of Project PinkBlue, “they have not only paid my bills, but they have also given me hope and the courage to encourage other Cancer victims.” Comfort was earlier advised by some people to seek spiritual help but she declined and went for medical examination.

Challenges In Seeking Medical Attention  

• At this juncture, I must clearly state that, our Religious belief can pose a threat to our physical, mental and sociological development in Nigeria. Many people would not go for test while some others will say, “God forbid this disease in my body”, yet they are dying from such diseases. It is not out of place to pray and have faith in God but it is ridiculous to solely stay in church or visit prayer houses without engaging medical help as well. 

• Another challenge I see with the spread of this disease is secrecy. Many people die in silence. Commonly found cases, involve some women who would vehemently refuse male Radiographer to examine their body:breast because they are married to an Imam or dressed in Hijab. Please note that your health is much more important than your marriage. If care is not taken, that husband you seem to preserve your body for, might desert you if a disease such as breast or cervical cancer possesses your body. My advice would be to ignore the male radiographer, if he happens to be the only medical personnel available. Just focus on your health. Cancer is a killer disease but early diagnosis can save many lives from trauma.

• Thirdly, Cancer affects all gender, age and race, so we need to be informed. It is however ironic, that we take our vehicles to the mechanic to service it regularly yet we forget that our bodies also need to be checked. Many people excuse the need to work and earn a living for medical check up. Hence, the reason we see people slump at the bus stations,office ,churches and other public places. We need to reschedule our time to accommodate medical check up.

Thank you for visiting Olabusola’s Review. Please go and examine yourself today.

Source: Participatory and Observation medium 

Thanks to Mr Oladapo Micheal Ilori, for editing this piece.