Urges govt to provide financial support to cancer patiens
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Unit, has carried out enlightment programme on cancer prevention and treatment for Muslim women. During the programme, a team of medical experts enlightened participants on early cancer detection, management and treatment.
Participants also had opportunity of being screened and attended to by an oncologist and a cancer survivor spoke to them.
Speaking at the yearly Ummahaat (married women’s) Day, the coordinator, Morufah Adeyinka, noted that the prevalence of cancer, especially in Africa, has become a huge concern.
She said: “Islam prioritised health, placing it as second in importance to faith, for Islam has not left any issue unresolved. It is also worthy of note that good health is a necessary condition for the preservation of life. Indeed, it is an essential requirement for the establishment of Allah’s law on earth, for it is only healthy human beings that can properly create an ideal Islamic home and community at large.”
The guest lecturer and oncologist, Dr Balikis Mabadeje-Isowo, said the upsurge of the disease and its increased human casualty index in the developing world had become worrisome.
The medical expert explained that only the hair and teeth don’t contract cancer.
“All body parts are prone to cancer, except the hair and teeth. Therefore, we should keep tabs on changes in our bodies,” she warned.
She said breast cancer could happen to anyone, adding that early detection helps a lot. According to her, many people are unconscious of the risk factors.
“The use of contraceptives is a common cause of cancer in women. Pills contain agents that can trigger a cancerous body system,” she explained.
“An improperly-treated infection can inhibit the body system and cause hormonal disorders that can lead to cancer. Early and late menstrual periods can predispose one to cancer.”
The expert said that massive body weight should be discouraged, adding that such should be reduced through light exercises to prevent one from being prone to cancer.
She advised women to embrace routine check-ups for early detection and treatment of cancer.
Mabadeje-Isowo decried the stigmatisation of cancer patients, saying that showing care and love to them would go a long way in helping them to recover.
She called on the government to provide financial support to cancer patients as it is the major reason cancer patients seek alternative means of treatment, which is usually detrimental to their health.
A cancer survivor, Hajiah Meslimat-Olamide Adekoya, said adherence to prescribed medication is important to survival.
Adekoya encouraged women to maintain good lifestyles, adding that adequate relaxation and light exercises were helpful.
She also narrated how she was diagnosed with cancer, which was passed down hereditarily from her maternal side, and how she overcame it through treatment, support from family and trust in God.
According to her, it all started with pains in her armpit, chest and shoulder. When she went to the hospital, she was tested and diagnosed with breast cancer.
On hearing the news, the survivor said she was devastated but resolved to put all her trust in God.
She also shared an emotional narrative on how she began the treatments and was cured of a life-threatening ailment. Adekoya said, “All girls, ladies and women out there should go for a mammogram at least once a year and when tested, don’t run away, early confirmation is better and if you are diagnosed move closer to your doctor and your God.”
