The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu tasked stakeholders in the health sector to advocate for increased government funding for cancer treatment and care.
While acknowledging the substantial contributions of stakeholders to cancer eradication in the country, he called for support for cancer patients and emphasised the need for actors in the sector to influence cancer-related policies.
Senator Bagudu made the call at a cancer awareness walk organised by Medicaid Cancer Foundation in Abuja.
He said the #WalkAwayCancer event embodies unity, determination, and a shared commitment to reducing the burden of cancer in Nigeria.
The 5km WalkAwayCancer trek, saw cancer awareness enthusiasts, survivors, caregivers and policymakers thronging the streets of Abuja in a significant move to call attention to cancer control efforts.
The long-distance walk aimed at raising awareness against the cancer scourge in the country, commenced from Libreville Street in Wuse 2.
Meanwhile, medical expert, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, in her remarks made a case for regular screening for cancer by all and sundry, warning that the major challenge in the fight against cancer was the late detection of the majority of cases.
Dr, Bagudu, who is also the CEO of Medicaid Cancer Foundation said that early detection of the disease remains a major key to reducing the mortality rate of cancer in the country.
“This event underscores our unwavering dedication to raising awareness and fighting cancer. The overwhelming support we received is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of early detection, prevention, and support for those affected by this disease.
”Have regular screening, which is very much available and some of it is free, and you can even do it yourself, do self-breast examination every month, that way, we can start to detect cancer early”, she advised.
