The Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, yesterday disclosed how he was diagnosed of the deadly cancer disease and got cured.

He spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, while addressing newsmen at a press conference tagged: ‘Beyond Ebola and Beyond Reign of Silent Killer.’

He appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan and all relevant policy makers in the health sector to provide fund for the establishment of the African Cancer Centre which had been approved by the National Assembly in the 2011 Budget.

Prof. Soyinka explained that the awareness on cancer became necessary to help other patients take preventive measures and seek prompt medical attention.

Speaking further on the importance of the cancer research and treatment centres in the nation, the erudite scholar observed that most victims of the disease died as a result non-accessibility to medical facilities.

He encouraged all cancer patients in the country not to see the disease as their death sentence, saying he was diagnosed of the disease in December 2013, treated and certified cured.

“I want to use myself to encourage others to take whatever test available to you in our little circumstances here, but more importantly to encourage those who are in charge of health matters to take seriously the cancer menace which many people called silent killer.

“One of the major reasons I decided that I have to make this personal appeal is that not all of us can gallivant everywhere where we can stop over and have the necessary treatment. But I think we should have diagnostic centres everywhere where elementary treatment can be given to patients.

“The important thing is that I am convinced that we have enough funds in this nation to build cancer centres, including research that this nation requires. There are many ways and treatments for cancer just like there are many kinds of cancer; even diet forms an important part, diet is critical.

“Let me emphasise this, like many of you know, I am a very private person. I believe there are certain territories of individual that should be private to themselves and to their families, maybe sometimes and it is only when it is public interest that you probe into people’s health.

“For me, this is not a decision which I like, but I felt I have all obligation being a member of African Cancer Centre and also having even donated a performance during the festival to fund raising for cancer.

“I am under obligation to make it known and to also demystify cancer. Many people feel it is a death sentence; family feels it, friends, colleagues, they begin to look at you and hook you as if you were a ghost once there’s rumour that you have cancer. No! Cancer is not a death sentence, it is curable.

“I have undergone the treatment and I am able to tell you that I even have a model, that’s my certificate. Finally, I finished on October 28 and everything is fine,” Professor Soyinka explained.

President and Founder of the African Cancer Centre (ACC), Professor Femi Williams, however, lamented the delay in release of funds approved for the cancer treatment centre in the 2011 Budget.

Williams also lamented the dearth of qualified oncologists in the country, saying this has also contributed to the high rate of death of victims of the disease.

•Adapted from Newswatch Times. Photo shows Prof. Soyinka.

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