The world cancer day,
February 4th 2015, is a great opportunity for the entire globe to
shine a spotlight on the tremendous challenge that cancer poses to the health
of the world. The WHO reported over 14 million new cancer cases globally in
2012. The number of new cases is expected to rise by about 70% over the next 2
decades. Cancer is responsible for about
13% of all deaths worldwide. Low to middle income countries (LMICs) like,
Nigeria, bear a disproportionate burden (65%) of these deaths because they are
less prepared to combat the disease. Globally, cancer causes more deaths than,
HIV, TB, and malaria combined! Nevertheless, in Africa, the funding to fight
these infectious diseases, far out strips the funding to combat cancer. Nigeria
and other African countries face an impending cancer epidemic and must rise to
the occasion now. Policy-makers, health care professionals and
citizen-advocates must unite in this cause.
Prevention
is the most cost-effective approach to fighting cancer. Cancer screening is a
critical component of prevention. The 3 most common cancers in Nigeria are
breast, prostate and cervical cancer. Colon cancer is also on the rise. These four
cancers have well established screening tests to either detect abnormalities
before they become cancerous or to detect the cancer very early. The screening
tests include mammography for breast cancer, the PSA lab test for prostate
cancer, Pap smear for cervical cancer and colonoscopy for colon cancer. These
tests are readily available in Lagos at several facilities such as the
Lakeshore Cancer Center.
A diagnosis
of cancer is not a death sentence! The cure rate of early cancers is over 90%.
Thus, everyone should be encouraged to undergo screening. Cervical cancer
screening should begin at the age of 21, breast and prostate cancer screening
at the age of 40 and colon cancer screening at the age of 50. Additional
information can be obtained from your doctor. About a third of cancers can be
prevented. Steps that we can all take include having a healthy diet rich in
fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, avoiding cigarette smoking and
markedly limiting our alcohol consumption. Vaccines against viruses such HPV
that causes cervical cancer and HCV that causes liver cancer are also available.
Currently,
a major problem with cancer treatment in Nigeria is the late stage at which
patient's seek care. Some of this has to do with cultural barriers. It is
important for the public to know that cancer is not due to witchcraft or any
evil in the patient. This may encourage people to seek treatment. Cancer is
actually a collection of diseases characterized by the loss of control over the
division of cells. These cells grow uncontrollably and damage nearby organs.
They also aim to spread through vessels to distant sites where they continue to
attack other normal organs in our bodies. Tools for cancer treatment include
surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Palliative care is also a crucial
component of treatment. This involves the effective relief of the various
symptoms of the disease.
In
conclusion, it is important to emphasize that a third of cancers can be
prevented, a third are potentially curable and a third can be palliated
effectively. Everyone should be screened
for cancer so that it can be prevented or cured. Resources are desperately
required from our government leaders and philanthropists to help provide widespread
screening and treatment for cancer. Additional needs include the tools to
measure accurately the burden of cancer in Nigeria, the training of skilled
cancer treatment professionals and the provision of facilities/equipment for
accurate diagnosis and treatment. The time for action is now! In commemoration of World Cancer Day, on
select days in February, Lakeshore Cancer Center is offering free clinical
breast exams along with discounted
screening services. For further information, please call 08099715000 or email
info@lakeshorecancercenter.org.
Professor Chukwumere Nwogu, MBBS, PhD
Cancer
Epidemiologist; Surgical Oncologist
Medical
Director, Lakeshore Cancer Center
14 Amodu Tijani Close (Off
Sanusi Fafunwa St)
Victoria Island, Lagos
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