The severity of the problem even touched Olopade's family. Several years ago, Nigerian doctors diagnosed a breast lump in Olopade's 32-year-old cousin as a "boil" and left it untreated. By the time the young woman came to the United States for care, she had large tumors in both breasts. She subsequently died of metastatic cancer.
"Cancer is a global problem," emphasized Olopade. Unfortunately, in much of Africa HIV has overshadowed it, but it remains a big problem and a leading cause of death.
"We have made real progress in much of the world in cancer prevention, early detection and treatment, but very little of that progress has made its way to sub-Saharan Africa," Olopade said. "This conference is designed to speed that transfer, to increase societal awareness of cancer within Nigeria and to empower Nigerian physicians to get involved in cancer research."
The conference is divided into two segments. The first day, May 18, is aimed at the general public, especially professional women, and will concentrate on cancer awareness and education. Days two through four are for health professionals and will focus on the science of cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, staging, treatment and supportive care.
Conference Schedule
FIRST INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON NEW TRENDS
IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BREAST & CERVICAL CANCERS
Lagos, Nigeria 2004
PUBLIC WORKSHOP ON AWARENESS/EDUCATION
Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos
Tuesday 18th May 2004
Opening Ceremony
Address by the Honourable Minister for Health, Prof. Eyitayo Lambo
Guest Lecture: Breast Cancer:
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Contact: John Easton
jeaston@uchospitals.edu
773-702-6241
University of Chicago Medical Center
7-May-2004