By Aliyu Bala Gerengi, Gombe
The Gombe State HPV Forum has organised a community outreach and awareness campaign, bringing together journalists, health workers, Academicians community leaders, and other stakeholders to address the growing threat of cancer in the state.
Speaking at the event, Professor Muhammad Manga urged participants to develop practical strategies to prevent, manage, and curb the spread of cervical cancer and other forms of the disease across communities.
He explained that the forum deliberately included diverse groups, particularly members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, to foster dialogue and identify workable solutions to cancer challenges.
Professor Manga commended attendees for their commitment and emphasized that cancer is treatable when detected early. He called on the public to seek medical attention promptly upon noticing unusual changes or symptoms, and encouraged participants to carry the awareness message into their communities.
Other discussants, including the Chairman of the Occasion, Dr. Halima Usman Farouk, Professor Danladi Adamu Bojude, Professor Aliyu Lawal of the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, and community leaders Musa Mustafa and Danimoh Mustafa, highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between journalists, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders in tackling cancer effectively.
They identified prevalent cancer types in the state to include breast, lung, prostate, cervical, liver, stomach, pancreatic, kidney, bladder, skin, brain, ovarian, uterine, and esophageal cancers.
The speakers urged the public to take advantage of available health services through regular screening and testing. Individuals diagnosed with cancer were advised to seek treatment promptly, while those without the disease were encouraged to get vaccinated where applicable.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying awareness campaigns and promoting access to preventive services to reduce cancer-related deaths in Gombe State.
