The Kebbi State Government in collaboration with Medicaid Cancer Foundation is partnering with 34 churches against the spread of cancer disease in the state.

Programme Manager, State Cancer Control Programme, Shehu Koko, said the partnership aims to step up efforts on the campaign against the spread of cancer in Kebbi.

“The state government accords priority to the awareness campaign because it is possible to cure the disease if dictated early and necessary measures are taken,” Mr Koko said.

He said it was imperative to partner religious bodies in order to reach out to the people of the state on the need to be aware of cancer preventive measures.

The programme manager said the state had invested heavily in a cancer treatment center located at Kebbi Medical Center, Kalgo, adding that cancer treatment there is free.

According to Mr Koko, the state government had also initiated a fund for sponsoring indigents who had been referred to other hospitals.

“Going for cancer screening is key to checking the spread of the disease.

“The state government is working towards controlling the spread of cancer in partnership with Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Johnson and Johnson as well as the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“Plan is also underway for free screening for breast, cervical and prostate cancer for all eligible volunteers,” Mr Koko said.

(NAN)