The Society for Cellular Pathology Scientists of Nigeria (SCPSN) has called for the adoption of ‘Genomic Testing’ for improved diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer disease in Nigeria.
The National President of SCPSN, Dr Jonathan Madukwe, made the call at the eighth International Scientific Conference/Annual General Meeting of the association on Tuesday in Lagos.
The conference has the theme: “Application of Genomic Testing for Improved Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Cancer.”
Madukwe described genomic testing as a more advanced method in the management of cancer disease that involves genetic, molecular and heterogeneous information/causative factors of cancer.
He, however, identified lifestyle changes, environmental and dietary factors as major contributing elements of cancer disease.
According to him, people should be mindful of the lifestyle, environmental and dietary risk factors of cancer; identify them and try as much as possible to avoid them.
“It has been obvious that over the past 10 years, the environment and lifestyle have rapidly been changing, and these changes have contributed to changes in cancer cells and consequently resulting to rise in cancer cases.“
So, it is imperative that people identify the lifestyle changes, environmental and dietary factors that can expose one to the risk of cancer disease and avoid them.
“Presently, several screening tools are being made available and one of them is the Genomic Testing, which is very effective in the treatment of cancer because it provides information about the root causative agent or the genetic cause of a cancer.“
But, in doing all of these, early detection is key in the management and prevention of cancer. Maintaining regular screening is paramount to detect when one is at risk,” Madukwe said.
A Professor of Anaerobic Bacteriology and Human Microbiome, University of Lagos, Francisca Nwokorie, said the genomic technique gives more accurate, reliable and effective results for palliative care of cancer disease.
Nwokorie called for more collaboration and awareness programmes to educate the populace about the technique and enhance its access, adoption and application.
She emphasised the need for the Federal Government to give the enabling environment for provision of the genomic technique equipment, considering its huge cost implication.
“Good enough the University of Lagos College of Medicine has the new generation genomic testing equipment and likewise the Lagos University Teaching Hospital is making effort for procurement.“
But the government can make efforts to ensure more availability of these heavy equipment because of their cost, so that, while we are activating more awareness, the techniques will be readily available for people to easily access them,” Nwokorie said.
The Chairman, Local Organizing Committee, Mr Daniel Osiagwu, urged the public to embrace genomic testing to identify the root cause for effective treatment.
Osiagwu, who decried the high cost of the genomic testing equipment, urged the government to come up with policies aimed at subsidizing the price to encourage easy access and affordability.
The Chairman of the occasion, Mr Joseph Ogunwuyi, said the conference provides a unique opportunity for scientists and participants to engage with colleagues, share experiences and learn from one another.
Ogunwuyi, also a Founding Father of the society, urged pathologists/scientists to embrace Artificial Intelligence, describing it as the way to go.
According to him, the conference aims to promote collaboration, innovation and excellence in histopathology practice for improved healthcare outcomes and service delivery.
The programme featured presentation of awards to some personalities for their outstanding contributions toward the growth of the association.
