By NAN

Dr Uduak Offiong, a Consultant Pediatric Oncologist at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, has urged parents and caregivers to take note of common cancer symptoms during childhood.

The medical expert made the call on Saturday during a question and answer/interactive virtual meeting to further enlighten the public about the common symptoms of cancers in children.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the question and answer virtual meeting on cancer was organised by Okapi Children Cancer Foundation (OkapiCCF), a non-governmental organisation.

NAN also reports that the meeting was in continuation of the international childhood cancer awareness month.

Offiong stated that the negative changes in children while growing up really called for serious concern, as cancer is no respecter of anybody.

She called on parents and caregivers to seek early medical attention if such symptoms were noticed in their children, adding that parents must not handle such situation with self medication.

The founder, OkapiCCF, Ms Kemi Adekanye, in her welcome address, stated that the “Dear Doctor” series would be a periodic session with different experts.

Adekanye urged everyone to take advantage of the free webinar to gain a lot since knowledge and awareness were always regarded as power.

Dr Ozy Okonokhua, Director of Programs, OkapiCCF, who moderated the event, highlighted the various challenges faced by children battling with cancer.

According to him, cancer is very expensive to treat and manage but with support from well meaning Nigerians, the pains will be greatly reduced and incidences of treatment abandonment will be a thing of the past.

He also emphasised the importance of early detection and urged attendees to listen attentively to the presentation.

In his remarks, President, Nigerian Cancer Society, Dr Alhassan Adamu, urged the foundation to keep up the good work.

In attendance was the Chief Medical Director, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Prof. Bissallah Ekele, as well as other stakeholders in cancer intervention in Nigeria. (NAN).