In commemoration of World Cancer Day, the management and students of Olashore International School embarked on a health awareness initiative at Owaloko Palace, sensitizing the community on cancer prevention, symptoms, and early detection.
The event featured an interactive session where health practitioners from the school underscored the significance of adopting a healthy lifestyle to mitigate cancer risks.
They particularly emphasized the role of a balanced diet, highlighting the importance of consuming fruits and vegetables as preventive measures against the disease.
Speaking to the community, the medical team elaborated on the causes, symptoms, and different types of cancer, urging residents to be vigilant about early warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, unusual lumps, and skin changes.
“It is important to pay attention to these symptoms and seek medical help early,” one of the health professionals advised.
The awareness program also included practical demonstrations on self-examinations, focusing on breast and testicular cancer detection. Residents were encouraged to undergo regular medical check-ups and screenings, as early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
Expressing his gratitude to the school for the initiative, the Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa commended their efforts in promoting health consciousness among the people.
“The enlightenment shared today will go a long way in helping us manage our health. Many of us have family members and loved ones who have been affected by cancer or have even lost their lives to it. This kind of awareness is crucial,” the monarch stated.
He further advised the community on proper food preparation, warning against overcooking vegetables, which could lead to nutrient loss.
“If you are talking about vegetables, they shouldn’t be cooked for 30 minutes on the fire. The nutrients that help protect the body may have been lost by then,” he cautioned.
Additionally, he discouraged the consumption of overripe or spoilt fruits, stressing that they could pose health risks.
He also called for increased awareness of prostate cancer screening, urging men to undergo PSA blood tests and other necessary scans to monitor cancerous cell growth.
Owaloko concluded by encouraging the school and health experts to sustain their efforts in educating the community on cancer prevention and early detection, emphasizing that such knowledge could save many lives.
