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The Lagos State Deputy Gov., Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, says women need to be more educated and enlightened about breast cancer that often caused the highest death among women in Nigeria.
Speaking on Wednesday in Lagos at a book launch "Chronicles of a Cancer Survivor", Orelope-Adefulire said cancer was one of highest killer diseases that should be a source of concern to everyone.
"My major heartfelt concern has always been toward women, who out of ignorance, poverty, lack of health education, poor medical care and facilities fall victims of this dreaded and deadly disease.
"The truth is that cancer is curable and can be prevented, but we need the right education, the right orientation and right treatment," she said.
Orelope-Adefulire said that the Lagos State Government had established medical test centres in all council areas where women could visit for breast examination and other preventable diseases.
The deputy governor disclosed that the book would be a reference material for all stakeholders in the crusade against cancer in Nigeria.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Chris Ogunbanjo, a foremost industrialist, urged the Federal Government to improve facilities in all health institutions to tackle the menace of cancer in all its form.
Mr Peter Piness, Public Diplomacy Officer of U.S Consulate General, also said that cancer screening was critical to the treatment of the disease.
"We genuinely hope this book will encourage women and men to be more health conscious and increasingly aware of the importance of regular exercise, a balanced diet and the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle," Piness said.
The author of the book, Mrs Oyefunke Fortune, said that half of all cancers could be prevented if people adopted healthier behaviours.
Fortune, who is also a survivor noted that breast cancer if detected and treated early, could be overcome.
