20th July, 2018
An NGO, Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), Ondo State chapter, on Friday said it has treated 10 breast cancer patients since the establishment of its state chapter to reduce the scourge.
Dr Toyin Ayimoro, the State Chairman of the association, made the disclosure at a press briefing in Akure.
“BRECAN, as an NGO, cannot alone, provide the necessary funds needed to assist the breast cancer victims.
“It requires a lot of money to take proper care of any patient suffering from breast cancer.
“Women are more vulnerable to this deadly disease than men, and early detection usually helps to curb the scourge,’’ Ayimoro said.
She urged everyone to contribute to the programme, saying that thousands of breast cancer patients across the state were crying for help.
“Most people believe that the founder of BRECAN, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, Wife of Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, has money to cater for cancer patients.
“It is totally far from the truth. Her Excellency cannot do it alone; it requires a lot of money to properly treat a breast cancer patient.
“At the moment, we already have over 40 patients, who had registered with BRECAN in the state alone.
“So by this, we need people to come to our aids and assist us financially,” Ayimoro said.
Also, Dr Katong Abba, a Breast Cancer Consultant, said that proper care for cancer was expensive, adding that Akeredolu was contributing immensely to the fight against breast cancer.
Abba, however, called for collaborative efforts by all to be part of the crowd-funding initiative.
A cancer survivor, Mrs Grace Meroyi, said that she went to BRECAN office in Akure to complain about her ailment.
Meroyi said that in a short time her letter got to founder of the organisation, a significant amount of money was sent her to start treatment.
While commending the founder of BRECAN, she described her as a “life saver’’.
“” I will forever be grateful to the entire BRECAN team,” she said.