Ekiti First Lady Rallies Women Against Cancer, Declares Free Test

By Ayodele Oni

To mark tenth year anniversary of her death, Ekiti State Government has declared free breasts and cervical cancer test in honour of the former Deputy Governor of the state, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka.

The wife of State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji announced this in Ado- Ekiti during the 10th remembrance anniversary of a former Deputy Governor of the state who died of Breast Cancer.

Mrs Olayinka was deputy to former Governor Kayode Fayemi, during his first tenure.

Dr Oyebanji described Cancer as a devastating illness that has affected the lives of many people, saying that, to reduce its prevalence, there was need for every stakeholder to raise awareness about its causes, symptoms, and treatment.

The Ekiti first lady allayed the fear of women at the gathering, declaring that cancer is not a death sentence, noting that, early detection remained the key to successful treatment.

Dr Oyebanji, who paid glowing tribute to late Olayinka, urged everyone to  prioritize regular medical test regardless of age or health status saying that there are survivors who have overcome the killer disease and now living healthy lifestyle.

“We understand that many people are afraid of getting tested for cancer, but we want to assure you that early detection is the key to successful treatment.

“It can help identify cancer at early stage when it is easier to treat. Therefore, we hope that this event will not only raise awareness about cancer but also inspire people to take action and get tested.”

In his remarks at the occasion, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Fillani Oyebanji expressed regret that the prevalence of the disease was on  the increase, while a lot still needed to be done by government and people in respect of advocacy, mobilisation and prevention.

Earlier, The Chief Medical Director Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Prof kayode Olabanji, appreciated government for its intervention towards free screening of patients at Aduni Olayinka wellness center.

In a Lecture, Dr Olusola Aduloju, told the people that cervical and breast cancer, which are  commonly diagnosed usually occur as a result of late child birth, genetic record, smoking, alcoholism, multiple sex partners among others.

He however recommended  regular check of the breast, pointing out that cancer and diagnostic center in the state teaching hospital is well equipped to take care of different categories of those battling with the disease.