"HEALTH" CANCER: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

By Dr. B. C. Gofung

Cancer, also called malignancy, is an abnormal growth of cells, with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Cancers in general are non-communicable diseases and can affect any part of the body from head to toe.

Every year more than 8million people die of cancer worldwide. WHO states that per hour, about 30% Nigerians are dying from cancer.

There are over 100 types of cancer, including breast, skin, lung, prostate and lymphomas cancers.

In our environment, the commonest cancers are breast and cervical cancers (found in women), colorectal and prostate cancers (found in men)

With all these, the question arise, how does one get cancer? Cancers have multiple causalities, which imply that they have been known to have arisen due to exposure to different substances (carcinogens). These substances are said to initiate a change in the target organ such that at a future date, the cell in that organ refuses to listen to some growth and division restraining messages in cell division ad multiplication. In the absence of this restraint, cells multiply and grow at an unusual rate therefore leading to cancer. Some of these people inherit defective genes that are prone to these processes.

Some of the factors implicated in cancer causation are;

Smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habit (low fibre diets), infection ions; hepatitis B virus infection, Human Papilloma virus, some chemicals such as pesticides and silica, asbestors, ionizing radiation etc.

The symptoms and signs of cancer depend largely on the type of cancer and the organ or region affected. Few symptoms are specific. Cancer is a great imitator, thus, it is common for people diagnosed with cancer to have been treated for other diseases, which were thought to be causing their symptoms.

Local symptoms may occur due to the mass of the tumor or its ulceration e.g. mass effects from lung cancer can block the bronchus resulting in cough or pneumonia; colorectal cancer may lead to narrowing or blockages in the bowel (intestine), affecting bowel habit. Ulceration can lead to bleeding e.g. in cervical cancer – bleeding per vagina, coughing blood in lung cancer, rectal bleeding in colorectal cancer. Initial swelling is usually painless. 

Even though the symptoms of cancer vary based on the types of the ailment, there are some general symptoms. These may include; unintentional weight loss, fever, excessive fatigue, changes in skin (colour, texture) etc.

What should to be done

Treatment of cancer is very expensive with low survival rate especially those presenting with advanced cancer (late stage) as it is common in our environment. Early diagnoses are keys in cure (for few) and long term survival rate using good treatment modalities.

It is important then, to prevent ourselves, and where not possible pick this early so as to start treatment early:

There is a need for immunization in those cause b y infective organism when available e.g. Hepatitis B virus, Human Papilloma virus.

Self examination for early detection of lumps e.g. in breast cancer so as to see a doctor. When early detected, it can be excised which can lead to cure.

Routine screenings e.g.  papsmear for cervical cancer.

Regular clinic check-ups.

Healthy eating habits e.g. food rich in fibres, (vegetables, fruits etc.) they can reduce transit time and hence reduce the chances of carcinogens interacting with the bowels.

Avoid/quit smoking.

Cut down alcohol consumption.

Regular exercise etc.

February 4th has been set aside as World Cancer Day, this year, and through 2018, the theme of the day is “we can. I can”, that together and individually – we can do our part to reduce the global burden of cancer

In conclusion, cancer being a non-communicable disease has much causality which is largely preventable. With the burden on the individual, family, community and globally all hands must be on deck to protect and prevent each other from getting cancer and also support those affected with to have a better life.

An article in the Natifz Times Newspaper