250 Get Free Prostrate Cancer Test In Rivers

As part of activities to mark the 2016 World Prostrate Cancer Week/Day, the Rivers State Ministry of Health in partnership with the Shell Petroleum development Company (SPDC) and the Braithwaite Memorial Special Hospital (BMSH) have conducted test on over 250 persons free of charge.
This is to ensure that prostrate cancer cases were nipped in the bud as well as the burden reduced in the state.
Speaking to The Tide shortly after the day’s celebration at the Braithwaite memorial Specialist Hospital, Port Harcourt, Wednesday, the Desk Officer, Cancer Control, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Smith Odokuma Iroro, said the step has become pertinent following the increasing incidence of prostrate cancer in recent times.
“There is an increase in cancer occurrence among men in recent time, and that’s why we are doing this. In fact, based on the national figure, we have decided to drop the testing age to 40 years, meaning that at the age of 40, above, every man should get himself tested of the prostrate cancer because at this age, the prostrate glands increases giving risk to the cancer”, she said.
Iroro, who noted that the prostrate was the most common cancer among men, stressed the need for yearly routine test for not only the prostrate cancer but also the Prostrate-Specific Antegin (PSA), adding that only by so doing will men be sure that they were free of the menace.
Also speaking, the Director, Public health, Rivers State ministry of Health, Dr. Nnana Victor Nyekwere, explained that the day was aimed at creating awareness on the cancer and the need for a regular check to ascertain one’s status.
According to him, the prostrate stand is the place where the unrie passes. Once it enlarges, it becomes a problem, and so, early detection is key to avoiding this problem. This, from the age of 40, it is necessary to have a test.
Highlights of the event included road walk, seminars and free testing.

Lady GodKnows Ogbulu/Susan Serekara Nwikhana