In line with this year’s theme “You can, I can,” The Centre for Gender studies organized a one day sensitization campaign to mark World Cancer Day.

Delivering her paper titled ‘Kick Out Cancer”, Dr. (Mrs.) O. Onoja, represented by Dr. (Mrs.) Msuega defined cancer as any growing mass that arises from the cells of  its tissue.  According  to her, cancer of the cervix is a potentially preventable disease, and is the 2^nd common cancer in women after breast cancer while prostatic cancer is the commonest in males.

She said creation of public awareness for cancer prevention, early detection and Government commitment are important steps towards reducing the prevalence, morbidity and mortality rates of the disease.

Also speaking at the event, the President, Medical Women Association, Benue State Chapter, Dr. (Mrs) Enye Agada in her talk on Breast and cervical cancer stated that cancer is a reality and has no known cause till date.  Demonstrating the self examination method of early detection of breast cancer, she said there were several screening modalities for early detection for cancer in women therefore,  women between ages 25 – 65 years should go for mammography to screen for breast cancer  and pap smear test or Human papilloma virus test to check for cervical cancer.

She also stressed the need for male participation in such awareness programmes on cancer as recent study has it that breast cancers also occur in men and accounts to about 1% of breast cancers.

Dr. Agada urged participants on the need to take to healthy lifestyles as exercising regularly, stress reduction, good sleep and more intake of fruits and vegetables can help protect against cancer.

She said “cancer  is not a death sentence, it is a wake up call and as long as we do the needful, we can kick out cancer”

Introducing the “Pink Ribbon”, Dr. Adoo Womboh said the Pink Ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness and the wearer promotes breast cancer brand and expresses moral support for women with breast cancer.

While specifically representing breast cancer awareness, the ribbon represents fear of breast cancer, hope for the future and charitable goodness of  people who publicly support the breast cancer movement.

Dr. (Mrs) Wombo with every sense of concern, presented the “Pink Ribbon” to the University Community.

The programme also  featured drama presentation by the Drug Free and Quality Control team of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), on the awareness,  causes and prevention of cancer.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director Centre for Gender Studies  Prof. (Mrs) Elizabeth Kembe welcomed participants and assured them of an insightful programme.