The wife of Kebbi State Governor and Founder, Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF), Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, has donated N2.6 million to 13 cancer patients at the Federal Medical Centre, (FMC), Jabi, for their treatment.
Bagudu, who is also Director at the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and a Consultant Paediatrician, on Friday at the FMC Jabi in Abuja, said that very little would be achieved without partnership in the fight against cancer.
She said that the starting point of great collaboration was humility while calling on the Federal Government to create an atmosphere for more collaboration to create more awareness of cancer in the country.
According to her, though there is no cure for cancer yet, detecting and treating the disease at an early stage can significantly improve a person’s outlook.
She said that many factors influence the likelihood of successful cancer treatment, including the type of cancer.
She, however, said that government and all relevant stakeholders need to work to help improve the lives of people with cancer in the country.
“We must do this in several ways by supporting those living with cancer, raising awareness about cancer and related issues.
“Also, advancing cancer research, improving the quality of cancer care as well as addressing legislative and regulatory issues affecting cancer care and research,” she said.
Bagudu stated that many people found cancer advocacy to be a positive and empowering experience.
Prof. Saad Ahmed, Medical Director, Federal Medical Center (FMC), Jabi, Abuja, welcomed the partnership of the foundation.
Ahmed, who was represented by Dr Eziechila Joseph, Head Clinical Services, FMC, Jabi, said that cancer was difficult and also not a cheap disease to manage because so many people could not afford the treatment.
He stressed the need for people to present themselves early at the hospital for checkups to avoid late treatment.
He, however, advised Nigerians that they could reduce their risk of getting cancer by making healthy choices including keeping a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, limiting the amount of alcohol they drink, and protecting their skin.
