Lagos, Nigeria; 3rd February 2017
With every year that passes come challenges of increased cases of cancer. Cancer mortality rate has tripled and with the vastly inadequate health care system in Nigeria, the figures are poised to get even worse. The key to fighting cancer is early detection and as such, it is advised that people undertake regular check-ups. Every 4th February, “World Cancer Day” of every year is set aside to unite the world’s population in the fight against cancer.
There are about 100,000 newly recorded cases of cancer yearly while there are currently about 2 million recorded cases on ground. 30 Nigerian women die every day of breast cancer while one Nigerian woman dies every hour of cervical cancer. Interestingly, breast cancer can be cured if detected early while cervical cancer is preventable. (CECP- Nigeria)
14 Nigerian men die daily of prostate cancer, again this can be cured if detected early enough. 1 Nigerian dies every hour of liver cancer and 1 Nigerian dies every two hours of colon cancer. Liver cancer can be prevented through vaccination while colon cancer is also preventable. As recommended by the World Health Organisation, awareness on cancer risk factors will contribute to the prevention of 30% cancer related deaths.
To highlight her dedication to creating an enabling environment for young people, the Ovie Brume Foundation seeks to walk against cancer to commemorate the 2017 World Cancer Day in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
According to the Executive Director, Adeola Awogbemi, cancer constitutes a major challenge to development, undermining social and economic advances throughout the world hence the need to raise awareness on the disease, which is rapidly becoming a global pandemic. We feel strongly, the need to educate people about the pandemic and stem the tide by making information available to people. Our vision is targeted towards a society where everyone is educated and empowered.”
The Cancer Awareness Walk #WeWalk, is geared towards raising awareness on avoiding key risk factors such as being overweight, unhealthy diet with low fruits and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, alcohol use, sexually transmitted HPV-infections, infections by HBV (Hepatitis virus), ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, urban air pollution and indoor smoke from household use of solid fuels.
The Ovie Brume Foundation (OBF) was established in 2003 to commemorate the memory of Oviehire Adeyemi Kesiena Brume. The Foundation supports his commitment to Nigeria’s development, and works to realize his vision, where youth have easy access to information and resources required for personal development and success. Over the years, the Foundation provides young people with a range of recreational, social and educational opportunities. Through these opportunities, young people are encouraged to develop positive attitudes, discover their talents and recognize available opportunities pertinent to reach higher levels of achievements in all their endeavours.
Venue: YABA ROUNDABOUT VIA OJUELEGBA VIA NATIONAL STADIUM
Time: 9’O clock prompt (9: 00 am).
Invitation is open to all.
