Flag Off Of Cancer Screening Exercise.

Wife of the Taraba State Governor, Barr.(Mrs) Anna Darius Ishaku has flagged-off the cancer screening exercise in commemoration of the World Cancer Day, with the theme ‘WE CAN, I CAN’.

Her Excellency performed the flag-off ceremony today, during a one-day cancer screening excercise and distribution of testing kits to women in  the Northern Senatorial Zone, which was organised by the Ministries Of Women Affairs and Health at the Apawa Referral Hospital, Lau L.G.A of the state.

The wife of the governor in her address commended both Ministries, stressing that  the exercise was a laudable and fulfilling one, as it seeks to halt the spread of cancer among women in the Northern Zone through early detection and proper management.

She also expressed hope that the same be carried out in the remaining two zones and further called on the women to take full advantage of the test kits, stressing that their turnout is an indication that the state is on the right track towards reducing cases of new cancer infection.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hon. Lois Emmanuel, emphasised that prevention is better than cure, and it is on this basis that the two ministries have decided to conduct the cancer screening exercise to eliminate all forms of the disease in order to guarantee a cancer-free and healthy society.

According to her, in compliance with the DDI Rescue Agenda for women, they intend to conduct same in the two remaining zones of the state.

She further appreciated Her Excellency and the State Government for their constant support as well as urged the participants to take advantage of the opportunity to keep themselves healthy.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Innocent Vakkai stated that cancer which was hitherto a killer disease is no more seen as such, as chances of survival is high today with early detection through screening.

According to him, factors like genetics, lifestyle, infections, exposure to radiation among others are the causes of cancer, however with individual and collective efforts, the scourge will be overcome.

He further appreciated Her Excellency and the governor for making health a top priority in the Rescue Agenda.
Highlights of the event included an awareness talk by Dr. Danga A. Danga, entertainment by the Taraba Cultural troops as well as goodwill messages from the Lau C.T.C, Hon. Nelson Banker and the District Head of Apawa, Mr. Amos Suye.