On the occasion of International Childhood Cancer Day, the Akanimo Cancer Foundation has issued a crucial warning to parents. The non-profit organization emphasized the detrimental effects of exposing children to smoke, underscoring the heightened risk of cancer associated with such exposure.

Furthermore, the foundation urged parents to prioritize Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for their daughters and emphasized the importance of regular medical check-ups for all family members to mitigate the prevalence of childhood cancer. Emem Mendie, representing the Akanimo Foundation, lamented the lack of awareness and understanding of childhood cancer among parents. She stressed that early detection, timely medical intervention, and widespread awareness are pivotal in combating cancer.

Mendie emphasized the need for collaborative funding for cancer patients and stressed the imperative of acknowledging cancer as a treatable and curable disease, especially in children. She encouraged parents to refrain from smoking near their children, ensure HPV vaccinations, yearly medical check-ups, and seek a second opinion if needed.

Additionally, parents were urged to be vigilant for potential symptoms of childhood cancer such as persistent pain, prolonged fevers, changes in eye color, unexplained swelling, persistent constipation or bellyache, and enduring fatigue.

Dr. Lovina Ekpo, a Pediatrician at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, echoed the call for governmental budgetary allocation to fund cancer treatment, particularly for children. She also urged authorities to provide research grants dedicated to childhood cancer, aiming to elevate Nigeria’s survival rate among young cancer patients.

Ekpo advised parents to promptly seek medical assistance if their children exhibit symptoms like fever, bone pains, or bleeding gums, encouraging them to prioritize hospitals as the first point of contact.