FCT gets cancer management centre

Women in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja who have breast cancer can heave a sigh of relief following the installation of a mammography machine at the Maitama General Hospital. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Demola Onakomaiya,  who unveiled the machine as well as the Ear, Nose and Throat/Audiology Department in the hospital, said breast cancer remained the most common cancer among women.
He said, “It is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in women in sub-Saharan Africa. The mammography machine enables early detection and treatment of breast cancer thereby reducing the burden of the disease
“It should be noted that early detection of the disease is the cornerstone of breast cancer control. When detected early and with adequate diagnosis and treatment, there is a good chance that breast cancer can be cured.”
Onakomaiya urged all the various health care givers to use of the equipment, adding that efforts were underway to further enhance capacity building in the usage of the facility.
Also, the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Sikirat Sotimehin, said the equipment  would  offer diagnostic and screening services to women above 40 years.
According to her, breast cancer is a present day reality that must be dealt with adding “the FCT health sector is now at the fore front of this battle.”
Sotimehin said, “Very soon, Maitama District hospital will have an MRI machine to complement the existing CT scan services in Asokoro District Hospital. Very soon, the present utility building will be upgraded to a storey building that will be connected to the main hospital building.”