Regular medical check key to curtailing cancer -Consultant

    
The Plateau State Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, Dr. Christopher Yilgwan has advised Nigerians to always embark on annual routine medical check-up for early detection of cancerous cells.

Yilgwan made the call in Jos on Tuesday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.

The chairman, who is also a consultant paediatrician with the Jos University Teaching Hospital noted that most cancer cases were detected after reaching advanced stage.

He said that late detection made it difficult and expensive to manage.

“Most people only come to the hospital or seek medical help, when the cancerous tumour is at an advanced stage, but with routine check, such cells can be detected in time.

“When management begins early, the consequent complications that could result in death, are averted,” he said.

He urged women to develop the habit of checking their breasts for lumps, pointing out that breast cancer was the commonest form of cancer in women.

“If the lump is detected in time, it can be removed by mere surgery.

“Women should also go for pap smear tests, to check the Human Papiloma virus, which causes cervical cancer, Yigwan said.

The consultant also advised men to be checking their prostate specific antigen, adding that if discovered to be high, appropriate measure be taken to ensure effective management.

“I encourage everybody, both men and women, to go for medical check-up twice a year, in order to keep fit,” he advised.