World Cancer Day: KASHAM, CEHPI Team Up to “Close the Care Gap” in Kano
By Mustapha Salisu
In observance of World Cancer Day 2024, themed “CLOSE THE CARE GAP,” the Kasham Girls Women Youth and Community Development Network (KGWYCDN), a non-governmental organization, collaborated with the Community Education and Health Promotion Initiatives, Kano (CEHPI), to organize a one-day stakeholders seminar in Kano.
The commemorative seminar, held on Monday, February 5th, 2024, at KASHAM’s Head Office in Kano state, aimed to foster insights into issues related to cancer causes, management, treatment, and diagnosis.
Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Hassan, the Executive Director of CEHPI, welcomed guests and participants, highlighting the joint efforts between KASHAM and CEHPI to host the panel discussion.
“The objective was to generate a fruitful discussion leading to the development of a communique that could be submitted to the government for decision-making on cancer management in Kano State and Nigeria at large” he revealed.
The panelists, aligned with the theme “CLOSE THE CARE GAP,” discussed advancements in cancer treatment and the role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in creating a cancer-free world.
Panelists included Dr. Muhammad Inuwa Mustapha, a Consultant Clinical Oncologist from Aminu Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Scientist Aisha Abubakar Jubril, a Medical Lab Scientist from NSIA, Kano Diagnostic Centre; and Nurse Umar Abdullahi Muhammad, an Oncology Nurse.
Dr. Muhammad Inuwa Mustapha, represented by Dr. Abba, conceptualized cancer as a devastating disease characterized by abnormal and uncontrollable growth of normal cells in the human body. He emphasized the importance of early detection for effective management.
Scientist Aisha Abubakar Jubril lamented the lack of awareness about the role of Lab Scientists in cancer diagnosis. She stressed the need for education to encourage people to undergo tests for early detection, citing specialized lab equipment capable of detecting cancer substances in blood samples.
According to her, the detection of tumor markers in blood samples, will allow the specialized lab equipment to reveal crucial information about the stage, type, and aggressiveness of cancer.
Nurse Umar Abdullahi Muhammad focused on the stages of cancer, emphasizing that early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. He enumerated potential symptoms, including lumps, changes in bowel or bladder habits, slow healing of wounds, unusual bleeding, and swelling of skin, among others.
According to the Nurse, while cancer is curable at stages 1 and 2, detection at stages 3 and 4 presents challenges.
The presenters discussed risk factors, with a focus on occupational exposure. Factors such as the use of chemicals in farming and lack of protective measures in certain professions were highlighted like fuel attendants, garbage collectors, radiation rays for Radiographers etc.
The dialogue concluded with resolutions to “CLOSE THE CARE GAP” by the end of 2024. Recommendations included CSOs advocating for more resources, supporting early detection programs, creating support groups for cancer patients, and engaging in social media campaigns.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Dinatu Dama Maji, the Executive Director of KASHAM, expressed gratitude to the panelists for shedding light on cancer-related aspects.
She urged collaboration between health workers and CSOs, emphasizing the importance of media engagement to bridge educational gaps and dispel misinformation about cancer.
Maji revealed that KASHAM, along with five other organizations in Kano State, has been selected to become members of the Nigeria Cancer Society Association, further solidifying their commitment to combating cancer.
PRIME TIME NEWS reports that the event serves as a crucial step in raising awareness and advocating for improved cancer care in Kano and beyond.
By bridging the gap between knowledge and action, stakeholders can work towards a future where everyone, regardless of background, has access to timely and effective cancer treatment.
