LAGOS: Seadogs launch free prostate cancer screening, awareness campaign in Egbeda

THE National Association of Seadogs, Alimosho and North London chapters,  in partnership with the  State Primary Healthcare Board (PHCB) and Olukemi Specialist Clinic and Urologist Centre in Akure, carried out an awareness campaign and PSA screening exercise over the weekend.

Organised as part of this year’s commemoration of the International World Health Day, the programme took place at the Bola Tinubu Primary Health Centre, Akowonjo, Egbeda.

It involved screening carried out using measurement of Prostate Specific Antigens (PSA), information dissemination, while education and communication materials were produced and distributed and lectures given in both Yoruba and English for the benefit of attendees.

The objectives of the free prostate cancer awareness drive, said the organisers, was to screen male residents for prostate cancer and create awareness about the disease to those residing within the Egbeda and Igando axis of Alimosho LGA.

Speaking as guest lecturer during the event, Dr. Olurotimi, consultant urologist and Head Urologist Unit, University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital in Ondo, Ondo State, expressed delight at the eagerness shown by many of the male participants to get enlightened about their prostate status.

The collaboration of PHCB with the association for the event was facilitated by Dr Eniola Erinosho, Director of Medical Services and Disease Control, and Dr Tosin Onasanya, Assistant Director of Medical Services and Disease Control of same agency while Dr Odufunwa, the Medical Director of Bola Tinubu Primary Health Centre and his staff were on ground to provide support to the Association.

Speaking to Naija Times, the President of the Alimosho Chapter of NAS, Hassan Aidorolo, also known as Hawkins Deck, elaborated on the impact of the association’s health and physical wellness activities on the group’s immediate community, which it has constantly carried out through the its medical intervention vehicle known as NAS Medical Mission.

He said, “The turnout of the elderly in today’s activity despite the covid challenge, shows how important these men cared for their health. 

“Two hours before the event kicked off, about seven of these old men were already seated for the screening.” 

On his part, Temitope Awofeso, head of the organisation’s North London chapter known as Zero Meridian Deck, stated that their involvement in the programme all the way from United Kingdom, was a show of their humanitarian concern for those they left at home in Nigeria. 

Most of the beneficiaries said they were hearing of prostate cancer for the first time and were happy they attended the event.

One of the elderly men, who came in early for the event, Alhaji Yusuf, said he was made aware of the programme by one of his sons and was very thankful to the association for the free service.

 “I have lived here for over twenty years this is the first time we are getting this type of event and I thank the organisers,” he said.

Another participant, Chukwu Ifeanyi Martins of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Security Watch, said “it’s good to always know one’s health status and that is why I’m thanking the organisers of this event for the effort. God will continue to bless them”.

The campaign reached out to hundreds of men within the locality who were all screened. 

They individually showed appreciation to the organisers as they could not have been able to test themselves owing to the high cost of such exercise.

The programmes Officer, Onyekachi Ekwem and the Medical officer, Emeka Onwuasoanya, of the chapter, particularly reached out thankfully to the permanent secretary of Lagos State PHCB, Dr  Ibrahim Mustapha, for the full collaboration with the state government approval and the logistic backing he extended to the association toward executing the programme.

They also counselled participants on how their lifestyle could also help in reducing the occurrence of prostate cancer.