On Friday 2nd of July, 2021, Walk with us Cancer Foundation (WAWUC) commemorated the 2021 World Cancer Survivor Day.
This event was in Partnership with Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri and Glad Women & Children Initiatives. Cancer Survivor, The Chairman Board of Trustee of FMC, Owerri; The MD FMC, Owerri; The Imo State Commissioner for Health and other important dignitaries were present at the occasion.
During the event, Dr. Udoka Nneka a medical doctor from Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri made a Presentation on Cancer Incidence: A Five-Year Survey from The Histopathology Department FMC, Owerri and in his presentation, she pointed out that the growing incidence of cancer means that the health budgets of nations worldwide are being threatened. The total annual economic cost of cancer is estimated at approximately US$1.16 trillion.
She added that Tobacco use is the most important risk factor for cancer and is responsible for approximately 22% of cancer deaths. She went on to list some of the most common cancers affecting humans and they include: Lung (2.09 million cases); Breast (2.09 million cases); Colorectal (1.80 million cases); Prostate (1.28 million cases); Skin cancer (non-melanoma) ;(1.04 million cases); Stomach (1.03 million cases) with Prostate, Lungs and colorectal are top in male and Breast, Lungs, colorectal are top in female
She ended the presentation by adding that when identified early, cancer is more likely to respond to effective treatment and will surely result in: greater survivorship, less morbidity, less expensive treatment. Significant improvements can be made in the lives of cancer patients by detecting cancer early and avoiding delays in care.
At the end of this event, Donations were made to support the Construction of a Cancer Treatment Centre and an award given to Cancer Survivors present after they have shared their stories.
