‘Man, Cause Of Rising Cancer Cases’

The Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development, Sir Owene Wondo has blamed the prevalence of cancer on the unwholesome activities of man.
Wonodi, who said this while flagging off a cancer awareness roadshow organised by Simara Children Cancer Foundation, a non-governmental organization in Partnership with the Ministry, said that man has introduced pollutants into the environment that has given rise to so many toxic substances resulting in cancer.
The Commissioner explained that, the awareness campaign was to let people know of the existence of cancer and how to manage it.
“This organization has decided to do a one-day road show so that people will be aware of the existence of cancer and how to manage it,” he said.
He further said that the campaign will go a long way in helping people living with cancer as well as parents whose children have cancer to know that it is not the end of life.
Meanwhile, wife of the former Cross River State Governor, Mrs Onari Duke has said, cancer was not an automatic death sentence.
Speaking to newsmen during the one-day road show on cancer awareness at the weekend in Port Harcourt, she said that what was required was early diagnosis.
“It is important for cancer to be nipped in the bud. It is important to create awareness.
“We must do everything possible for help anyone having cancer know early enough.
“It is not a death sentence if treated early. People should go for regular check up”, she said.
Also speaking with newsmen, the President, Simara Children Cancer Foundation, Mrs Onyekachi Kalagbor said that the event was to raise money for the indigent fund already being operated by the university of Port Harcourt teaching Hospital (UPTH), in partnership with the foundation for the past 11 years.
Kalagbor also said that it was the first time the foundation was organizing a cycle road show to raise funds for the treatment of children suffering from cancer, and regretted the low level of support to the programme by members of the society.