Lagos Valiant Lions Club, District 404B1 Nigeria, in its quest and passion to serve the society, said it has sent a cancer awareness message to educate Nigerians and the entire world on childhood cancer.
This was made known in a statement sent to 9news Nigeria by the club’s president, Lion Babatunde Akerele, on Friday in Lagos.
According to him, “a child is diagnosed with cancer every two minutes. September is childhood cancer awareness month. Each year, more than 300,000 children are diagnosed with cancer globally.”
Lion Akerele noted that there is 13% increase in the incidence of childhood cancer over the last 20years. The statement reads in part:
“September is a world-wide childhood cancer awareness month. Lions international has 5 global causes which are Diabetes, vision, hunger, environment, and childhood cancer.
“Lions club international, through Lions club international foundation(LCIF), provides grants to help children with cancer and their parents by building sleeping facilities for the parents taking care of their sick children.
“Lions do a lot of Advocacy such as provide craft materials, books and games to children receiving treatment. Cancer awareness Talks, cancer awareness walks, distribution of cancer awareness pamphlets for mothers, Organizing parties for children receiving treatment, among others.”
The club president further identified the causes and symptoms of childhood cancer. According to him, pregnant mother exposure to radiations and infections, genetics, problems with developments in the womb are some of the causes of childhood cancer.
Weight loss, coughing, night sweats, swollen and wide eyes, big tummy, constant headaches, vomiting are some of the early symptoms of the disease.
He advised that when parents notice some of these signs, they need to visit a doctor for proper examination. “
“Early detection is very important in order to save the child. Cancer of the kidneys is common with children in Nigeria. Be aware,” the president added.
