To commemorate World Cancer Day and as part of its contributions towards the fight against cancer, the National Cancer Prevention Programme (NCPP), a non-governmental initiative of Mass Medical Mission (MMM) on Sunday launched the Mobile Cancer Centre, the first of its kind in the world.
Unveiling the Mobile Centres, Dr. Abia Nzelu, Executive Secretary, Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, the body responsible for raising funds for the Mobile Cancer Centres described the Centre as “a clinic on wheels.”
Each of the four Centres is equipped with state of the art facilities for screening, follow – up and treatment, including, but not limited to mammography, endoscopy, surgeries for pre-cancer and early cancer.
Tagged ‘Mission PinkCruise,’ the community-based mobile health centres will go from place to place to provide free health care services to all irrespective of age, gender or class. Areas of concentration include; prostrate cancer screening for men and cervical cancer screening for women, breast cancer screening /mammography, colon cancer screening, ovarian cancer screening, diabetes screening and blood pressure.
Others include; body mass index and waist circumference, hepatitis screening, schistosomiasis screening, renal screening/urinalysis, serum cholesterol and eye screening for cataract, glaucoma, refractive error/astigmatism, pterygium, eye tumours, among others.
Addressing journalists and other participants at the unveiling ceremony Dr.Nzelu, noted that cancer has become a global epidemic. Relying on World Health Organisation’s report released last year, she disclosed that out of every six people that died, one person died of cancer and that most deaths from cancer occur in poor and developing countries. She described cancer as the most expensive disease gulping trillions of dollars annually.
Zeroing home, she said Nigeria was facing a health crisis though many may not realise that. “In 2011, Nigeria was rated the 13th poorest country in the world and she had the 13th lowest life expectancy. Now, Nigeria is the 60th poorest country but has the 7th lowest life expectancy. Even though the economy has improved, health is depreciating because it is not given adequate attention,” she said.
She said that the aim of the Mobile Centres was to improve and provide access for people who cannot afford healthcare. The Mobile Centres will operate only in Lagos during its pilot state before expanding to Abuja, Asaba and Port Harcourt. Ultimately however, Dr. Nzelu said the NCPP aimed at having a Mobile Unit in each state of the Federation.
Some of those present were given free screenings and health checks. Mrs Idowu a beneficiary lauded the initiative saying that she did not know that if detected early cervical cancer can be treated in 15 minutes as disclosed by Dr. Nzelu.
She lamented the fact that ignorance has caused a lot of people their lives.
