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Medicaid Cancer Foundation and AstraZeneca Launch Project Icon for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Medicaid Cancer Foundation and AstraZeneca celebrate Prostate Cancer Awareness month with the launch of Project Icon

• Project Icon will support communities in Kebbi State and Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, closing the gaps in awareness, screenings, and psychosocial support for prostate cancer.
• The initiative is a collaboration of the Ministry of Health, Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF), AstraZeneca, local health providers, and the Oncology community to redefine cancer care in Nigeria

Most prostate cancers are diagnosed at a late stage of the disease, which limits treatment options and has a major impact on the life expectancy of patients. To mark Prostate Cancer Awareness Month this September, Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF) and Global Pharmaceutical Company AstraZeneca launched the Project Icon initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The initiative will raise awareness of early warning signs, and support screening efforts.

Breast cancer is most treatable when detected early. Screening helps detect cancer before symptoms appear. Early detection gives women more options and better chances for survival. Many women in Nigeria still believe that screening is painful or unnecessary. Our initiative tackles these myths and promotes early action.

Her Excellency the First Lady of Kebbi State, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, said:

Through this important collaborative initiative of AstraZeneca and Medicaid Cancer Foundation we will propel significant transformation to prostate cancer care, supporting the Kebbi State Strategic Cancer Control Plan 2019 - 2023, in securing access to screening, diagnosis and enhanced referral systems.

Dr. Zainab Bagudu, goes on to explain: Any male can get prostate cancer. It is essential that anyone with persistent symptoms consults their healthcare practitioner and go for screening as soon as possible. By ignoring unexplained symptoms and not getting screened in time, men increase the risk of potential late-stage diagnosis. If you are over 40, don’t wait, contact your doctor, and take the test.
Arpit Bansal, AstraZeneca Country Director for Sub Saharan Africa, said:

There is no doubt that urgent progress in cancer is sorely needed. Prostate cancer remains the most common form of cancer in men worldwide, despite an increase in the number of available therapies. At AstraZeneca we are looking at ways to keep driving forward progress in cancer care and are dedicated to helping improve the outcomes of men affected by prostate cancer. Now, more than ever, we must advocate for earlier detection and diagnosis. Project Icon is part of this commitment. With awareness, early detection and prompt action and care, we can rewrite the story of prostate cancer in Nigeria.”

About Medicaid Cancer Foundation

Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF) is a non-governmental organization in Nigeria which has been leading the fight to reduce the incidence of cancer in Nigeria. Founded in 2009, MedicAid’s goal is to reduce cancer mortality rate by increasing cancer awareness and its preventive measures, facilitate treatment and support for cancer patients, and provide support to guide people through the cancer experience.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.

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