Experts in the sector, have cautioned the public about the dangers of self-medication and incomplete treatment for cancer to minimise complications that may result in deaths.
They gave this warning on Friday in Abuja, while commemorating the International Childhood Cancer Day, themed,” Inspiring Action” at Government Day Secondary school, Wuse 2.
The event was organised by Okapi Children Cancer Foundation (OCCF) in partnership with Silver Cross Hospital Foundation.
The Medical Director, Silver Cross Hospital, Dr Patrick Eze emphasised the need to desist from administering self medication, which may also lead to delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and increased risk of complications.
“Unfortunately, we practice in a country where people are able to get medications across the counter without doctor’s prescription. And because of that, there is a huge abuse of that, where people get all these medications, and keep taking for issues that should have been in the hospital under a doctor’s supervision.
“So we are advising parents if you notice that your children, whom you have medicated are not responding to treatment, it may not be cancer, but it may be something also very serious that may warrant a doctor’s clinical clinical skills, testing and interpretation.”
The medical expert said: “Cancers have symptoms that mimic other illnesses that are prevalent like malaria, fever, cold, headaches, unusual swellings, amongst others.
“So we are educating the students and their parents if you observe these continuous symptoms despite treatment, it is necessary to ensure a more detailed check at the hospital.
“If we raise more awareness and if it’s detected early enough, we will be able to ensure that they get some form of cure and treatment that will at least enable them have a lifespan that is rich and full.”
Also, the Founder and Chief Volunteer, OCCF, Mr Kemi Adekanye attributes incomplete treatment to high cost of drugs and healthcare, which had compelled others to seek alternative care.
Adekanye, said: “We would like a situation whereby treatment for childhood cancer is subsidised to a very large extent.
“Childhood cancer is currently not on its health fund. So we would like to see that children who are battling cancer are considered to receive some sort of subsidies from the Cancer Health Fund.
“Childhood cancer is something that requires a collaborative effort from everybody, sector, individuals, CSOs, government and others
“We all need to come together to create more support for children and also to raise more awareness on childhood cancer as it has not been paid much attention to.”
She, therefore, stressed the need to unite and inspire actions that would support children and others suffering from cancer.
Also, the event coordinator, said the initiative is to create more awareness on childhood cancer, eliminate all forms of stigmatism and galvanise actions to supports them.
She added that the featured activities such as: free deworming and nutritional checks including Prostrate Specific-Antigen (PSA), breast and liver scan, Cancer Antigen125 (CA-125), counseling and therapy for students and staff.
Meanwhile, a cancer survivor, Mr Dozie Ekwerandu stressed the need for early detection, treatment and adherence to medical care to increase chances of survival for persons with cancer.
Ekwerandu, also pledged to finance the full education of a student, whose mother recently died of breast cancer complications.
The foundation, others also awarded scholarships and gift items including educational materials to the students.
Some of the students, who spoke expressed appreciation to the organisation for enlightenment and access to healthcare services.
By Justina Auta
