REPORTER : ENUMA ONYECHI
Residents of Anambra State have been called upon to go for regular medical check-up as a measure for the prevention and early detection of cancer.The call was made in Onitsha during a health walk organized by women lawyers Anambra State as part of effort to create Cancer Awareness for the month.The walk, brought together female lawyers and female journalists, commenced from the Onitsha High Court and terminated at various markets in the town. The participants moved through the DMGS area, Ekene Junction and Awka Road, sensitizing market women, motorists and passers-by on cancer warning signs, prevention and the need for regular health checks.Speaking with newsmen shortly after the exercise, Mrs. Amara Muojeke, said the exercise was part of the group’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of the public and the need to draw attention to the rising cases of cancer.Mrs Muojeke observed that cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among both the young and the old, but noted that many deaths could be prevented if detected early.According to her, early detection saves lives, stressing the need for men and women to go for regular screening and embrace a healthy lifestyle.She maintained that people should go for medical check-up at least every six months and urged women to prioritize their health, listen to their bodies and go for regular check-ups.Mrs Muojeke, who is also the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Anambra State, encouraged women to undergo recommended screening for breast and cervical cancer, noting that early detection improves treatment outcomes.She listed persistent bloating, abdominal swelling, unexplained weight loss, breast lumps or unusual swelling, bleeding after menopause, difficulty in passing urine, blood in urine and persistent tiredness as some symptoms that may require medical attention.She however, cautioned that the presence of any of the symptoms does not necessarily mean a person has cancer, as they could be associated with other health conditions.Radio Nigeria Correspondent Enuma Onyechi reports that the walk ended peacefully with a call that early detection and prevention can help avert sudden deaths arising from cancer.