...mass medical mission(mmm)

 

INTERNATIONAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH (ICAM), OCTOBER 2012

 

PRESS RELEASE FOR THE MAIDEN NATIONAL PINK DAY

 

NATIONAL PINK DAY - NIGERIA (NPD-N)!

 

October is an International Cancer Awareness Month (ICAM), with special emphasis on breast cancer, the commonest cancer among women globally. The ICAM is an annual international campaign against the cancer pandemic. The symbolic colour for the month is pink.

 

The 18^th of October, 2012 is being marked as the maiden National Pink Day-Nigeria (NPD-N) of the National Cancer Prevention Programme (NCPP). We hope to mobilize Nigerians from all walks of life, including diasporans, to observe the day by adding a touch of pink to their dressing, décor, website, social media, etc. To aid participation, pink-themed advocacy souvenirs may be obtained from NCPP offices.  The NPD-N is being anchored pro bono by Mocality Nigeria.

 

The colour pink is not only used in relation to breast cancer, but also refers to health in general, hence the phrase ‘in the pink of health.’ Reference may be made to the healthily glowing pink cheeks of new-born babies or energetic sportsmen/sportswomen and the like. In this regard, we may note that Nigeria has the 13^th lowest life expectancy in the world (46 years for males; 47 years for females). The National Pink Day - Nigeria (NPD-N) would henceforth be marked annually on October 18 every year. It is a day to remind all Nigerians to take an active role in ensuring that they remain in excellent health (the pink of health), by going for regular health screening, and supporting initiatives aimed at improving the health of society at large. The slogan for the National Pink Day 2012 is ‘In the Pink of Health.’

 

The day will be marked by a press conference at the NCPP Lagos Office, followed by a walk, titled ‘the national pink walk.’ The walk will take off at the NCPP office to the National Stadium.

 

SUMMARY FOR THE NATIONAL PINK DAY MAIN EVENT

Event: Press Conference followed by the first-ever ‘national pink walk.’

Time: 12 noon prompt

Venue: NCPP Lagos Office - 30 Ishaga Rd, off Itire Rd, by Mabo Junction, Surulere

Dress Code: Pink or a touch of pink

Participants: All are welcome

Media Partners: Journalist against Cancer in Nigeria (JaCiN), drawn from the major media houses in Nigeria

 

 

 

THE SEVEN SPECIAL OPEN DAYS

 

This year, as part of activities to mark the October International Cancer Awareness Month (ICAM), there will be Seven Special Open Days to be hosted by the National Cancer Prevention Programme (NCPP). This comes up sequentially in Lagos (25^th – 31^st October, 2012) and Port Harcourt (18^th – 24^th November, 2012).

 

During these periods, there will be free executive cancer screening (breast, cervical and prostate) for invited special guests. Invitees may come in at any time from 7.00am to 7.00pm on any of the Open Days.  Each guest will be welcomed and hosted promptly, so as not to spend more than one hour at the programme. Simultaneously, there will also be free mass cancer screening for the general public at designated venues, including some selected media houses.

 

Following the Open Days, participating organizations will continue to receive regular Information / Education / Communication materials from NCPP all year round. Their employees will also continue to benefit from the growing range of free or subsidized preventive or intervention services offered by the NCPP, including complementary free eye (ophthalmological) screening.

 

 

THE PORT HARCOURT CANCER CENTRE (PHCC)

 

As the major actionable aspect of the International Cancer Awareness Month (ICAM) and the National Pink Day-Nigeria (NPD-N), we are asking all Nigerians to support the effort to establish a comprehensive cancer centre in each of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, starting with the Port Harcourt Cancer Centre (PHCC) in the South-South. The total cost of each of the comprehensive cancer centres is sixty three million dollars (ten billion naira).

 

The establishment of a comprehensive cancer centre in Nigeria is an acute necessity, given the fact that cancer is the number one killer of mankind; it kills more people than HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. Globally, one in every three persons are being diagnosed with cancer, and 80,000 Nigerians die from cancer annually (i.e. 10 Nigerians every hour). Furthermore, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) forecast that by 2030, there will be more than 21 million new cases of cancer, and 13 million cancer deaths, every year. In contrast death from infectious diseases will fall by about 7 million per year. Indeed, cancer is the most expensive disease to treat, with an economic toll of $895 billion in 2008. The good news is that most of these cancer-related deaths are preventable through awareness/lifestyle changes, early detection and access to first-class treatment (World Health Organisation, WHO 2002).

 

 

 

 

 

The NCPP has already established basic cancer advocacy/screening/follow-up centres in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, and by utilizing mobile screening units as well as through the media (electronic, print and online) has so far reached millions across the whole federation with awareness, screening, vaccination and treatment. Those that have precancerous lesions and early cancers are treated locally, with good outcomes. But, what about those diagnosed with late stages of cancer requiring advanced technology? What is the hope for the poor who cannot afford to travel to India or other countries?

 

To drive home the message, we may juxtapose the situation in India with that in Nigeria. While India has over 120 comprehensive cancer centres, Nigeria has over 120 registered private jets, but not a single cancer institute to adequately tackle the epidemic. (It costs far more to acquire and maintain a state-of-the-art luxurious private jet than to establish a world-class comprehensive cancer centre). Consequently, Nigerians spend $200 million every year to seek medical care abroad, a severe drain on our nation’s foreign reserve. It is worthy of note that most of the comprehensive cancer centres in India were established through non-governmental effort, supported by the private sector.

 

The choice of Port Harcourt for the pioneer centre is because the environmental challenges of the region make contact with cancer-related pollutants a fact of life in the Niger Delta (please refer to the 2011 report of the United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP). In addition, this region, including the entire old Eastern region of Nigeria, has a dearth of facilities for cancer care. Finally, this initiative is an excellent way of marking the centenary of the garden City of Port Harcourt, founded in 1912.

 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), all the major network operators, Interswitch Nigeria Ltd, and the Nigerian Guild of Editors are facilitating this project. The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) translated the awareness messages into Nigeria’s indigenous languages.  ExxonMobil is the first corporate body to contribute financially to the project, while the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDCC) is the first public sector Partner. Locally, a community in Eleme, near Port Harcourt, has generously offered 50 acres of land to the PHCC. Apart from corporate partners, several individuals have also become PHCC Partners.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Special Open Days provide an opportunity for other public-spirited individuals and organizations to become Partners of the Port Harcourt Cancer Centre (PHCC), the first comprehensive cancer centre in West Africa. 

 

Anyone may contribute towards the project by sending the word ‘cancer’ to ‘44777’ (N100/sms, all networks); or via online transfer or ATM using the code ‘77526’ (www.quickteller.com). We request that you utilize your internal and external communications network to publicize these two codes – 44777 and 77526.

 

We feel highly privileged to be able to seek the hand of partnership of the good people of Nigeria in this project, and hope that we would all become agents of change by joining in the growing ‘Coalition of Care.’ Generations yet unborn, who will inherit this noble legacy shall bless all those who played a role in making it happen.

 

We look forward to welcoming all on board, for “Together it is possible!” (WHO/IARC theme for World Cancer Day, 2012).

 

 

With our highest regards and deepest appreciation,

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

Kin J-Egwuonwu

The Revd Canon Dr. Kin J-Egwuonwu

                                                             National Coordinator

 

DL 07080601202 (TOLL-FREE) || Email: abia@ncpp.com.ng; info@ncpp.com.ng

 

 

 

 

ACT! Attack Cancer Today! ACT!! Attack Cancer Together!! ACT!!! Attack Cancer Totally!!!

 

 

 

FACTS

W.H.O confirms that 1/3rds of all cancer cases can be prevented, cured if found early and treated respectively.

Early detection is of paramount importance when dealing with cancer. For example, if cervical cancer is detected in the precancerous (CIN) stage, it is totally curable. That is why awareness of the condition and screening for it is important

Join The Fight Against Cancer

        IARC predicts that by 2030, 21M new cancer cases and 13M cancer deaths will occur while death from infection will reduce by 7M yearly. Visit www.phcc.org.ng

       Cancer is the world’s No.1 killer disease, it kills 10 Nigerians every hr, save a life today, send CANCER to 44777 for just N100.

MAKE DONATIONS

         Let’s join hands as we fight this epidemic that destroys our tomorrow, your contribution can save a life. Simply send CANCER to 44777. Visit www.phcc.org.ng

5 CANCER-FIGHTING SPICES

We came across with this very interesting article suggesting that the following spices are powerful cancer fighting super foods. Adding this to your diet might help reduce the risk of having cancer.
Turmeric
Who can resist the gorgeous yellow color of this cancer-fighting spice? Lately turmeric has been the darling of the spice world as researchers have discovered that, not only does it fight cancer, it contains an entire spectrum of other health benefits, including inflammation-fighting compounds called curcuminoids. These compounds may help prevent Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. When used topically, turmeric has been known to help heal skin infections.
Ginger
For centuries, grandma has been prescribing this knobby little root for an upset tummy, but we now know that it holds anti-inflammatory properties, shows promise in treating cancer, osteoarthritis and, when used topically, rheumatoid arthritis. It can be used as an appetite stimulant and a treatment for nausea, whether legit (flu) or not-so-legit (hangover).

BREASTFEED YOUR BABY

Breastfeeding is among the most essential ways to prevent breast cancer. Now-a-days most women stay away from breast feeding as they think it will harm their figure but it is very essential to understand that avoiding breast feeding may increase the risk of breast cancer. Women who breastfeed their babies for up to 2 years decrease the breast cancer risk up to 60%. The theory is that breastfeeding decrease the complete menstrual cycle’s number of women over her life and lower the level of estrogen hormone which is related to breast cancer.

BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION

Women should begin self-examination at the early age of 20s. Self-examination helps you to identify breast cancer early. Women should do self-examination at least one time a month the week after their period finishes. The women who are no longer menstruating should examine at the starting of every month. If you feel nodes or discomfort, then visit to a doctor for further examination. Self examination process can be found on medical websites but it is best to talk to a doctor and find out the correct process.

LEARN ABOUT CANCER

What is cancer?

Cancer is the general name for a group of more than 100 diseases in which cells in a part of the body begin to grow out of control. Although there are many kinds of cancer, they all start because abnormal cells grow out of control. Untreated cancers can cause serious illness and even death

Normal cells in the body

The body is made up of hundreds of millions of living cells. Normal body cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly fashion. During the early years of a person's life, normal cells divide faster to allow the person to grow. After the person becomes an adult, most cells divide only to replace worn-out or dying cells or to repair injuries

How cancer starts

Cancer starts when cells in a part of the body start to grow out of control. There are many kinds of cancer, but they all start because of out-of-control growth of abnormal cells.

Cancer cell growth is different from normal cell growth. Instead of dying, cancer cells continue to grow and form new, abnormal cells. Cancer cells can also invade (grow into) other tissues, something that normal cells cannot do. Growing out of control and invading other tissues are what makes a cell a cancer cell.

Cells become cancer cells because of damage to DNA. DNA is in every cell and directs all its actions. In a normal cell, when DNA gets damaged the cell either repairs the damage or the cell dies. In cancer cells, the damaged DNA is not repaired, but the cell doesn't die like it should. Instead, this cell goes on making new cells that the body does not need. These new cells will all have the same damaged DNA as the first cell does.

People can inherit damaged DNA, but most DNA damage is caused by mistakes that happen while the normal cell is reproducing or by something in our environment. Sometimes the cause of the DNA damage is something obvious, like cigarette smoking. But often no clear cause is found.

In most cases the cancer cells form a tumor. Some cancers, like leukemia, rarely form tumors. Instead, these cancer cells involve the blood and blood-forming organs and circulate through other tissues where they grow.