By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The wife of Kwara Governor, Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has enjoined organisations and individuals to adopt a compassionate approach to cancer patients.
AbdulRazaq made the call on Tuesday in Ilorin at the commemoration of the 2025 World Cancer Day organised by the state Ministry of Health in collaboration with her office.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme is titled: “United by Unique”, which draws attention to people in need of care and calls for measures to make a difference communally.
According to her, showing empathy and compassion to patients will engender an inclusive, effective, and sustainable care.
“Cancer stories differ, and they are emotionally and psychologically tasking, hence, the need to strive and provide comprehensive care.
“This encompasses not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being of patients and families alike.
“The burden of cancer continues to grow globally exerting tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on individuals, families, communities and health systems,” she said.
AbdulRazaq observed that the 2025 campaign needed a fundamental shift in cancer care and health systems towards a people-centered approach.
According to the governors wife, there is need to place individuals and communities at the center of decisions.
“Health systems become more effective and cancer care more compassionate, leading to higher survival rates, and improved quality of life.
“Early diagnosis is very important because it improves cancer treatment outcomes by providing care at the earliest possible stage.
“There is ongoing construction of the state-of-the-art Abdulsamad Rabiu Oncology Centre to further strengthen cancer management in the state,” she said.
AbdulRazaq also said the state had provided several rounds of free cancer screening programmes across the 16 Local Government Areas.
She explained further that this would detect incidents of cancer in the rural areas and provide support, as required by victims.
Earlier, Dr. Amina El-Imam, the Kwara Commissioner for Health, observed that Cancer was a global health challenge, which impacted individuals across all demographics and communities.
“In 2020, Nigeria recorded approximately 125, 000 new cases of cancer with breast and prostate cancers being the most prevalent cancers in women and men respectively.
“Kwara is among the states that the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) is partnering with, to develop a diagnostic centre through its Diagnostics and Oncology Expansion Programme.
“These initiatives will considerably increase the quality of cancer management in Kwara while lowering the cost,” she said.
Also, Mr. Owolabi Razaq, Chairman, Committee on Health and Environment, Kwara House of Assembly, enjoined residents to avail themselves of the free tests provided by the state government.