Following a global trend, cancer has emerged as a disease with a rising profile in Nigeria. It has been described by the World Health Organisation as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world, accounting for 14 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths in 2012. It is estimated that, by 2035, there will be 24 million cases of cancer in the world, resulting in a correspondingly high number of deaths.
Nigeria, unfortunately, falls within the low- and middle-income countries in the world, which have taken over from the high income countries as places where cases of cancer have been witnessing a steep rise. According to figures made available by the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, there are over two million cases of cancer in the country, with 100,000 new cases occurring every year. But Dapo Campbell, a professor and pioneer head, Radiation Oncology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, was reported recently as saying that 10,000 Nigerians died annually from cancer, just as over 250 new cases were diagnosed daily.
Another report credited to the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, a private sector-led fundraising platform, said last year, “Thirty Nigerian women die every day of breast cancer; one Nigerian woman dies every hour of cervical cancer; 14 Nigerian men die daily of prostate cancer; one Nigerian dies every hour of liver cancer; and one Nigerian dies every two hours of colon cancer.” These are all different types of cancer that can be cured if detected early.
For a country that is not known for accurate record keeping, the number could be frighteningly high. It also highlights the possibility of the figures being grossly understated. The situation as presented by Abayomi Durosinmi-Etti, a Professor of Oncology and President, Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation, assumes a more alarming dimension. He said cancer had assumed an epidemic dimension in Nigeria. That, according to him, demands a serious response by the appropriate authorities in terms of enlightenment and provision of equipment for treatment and management of the deadly disease. His prognosis, based on statistics, is that one in two persons will develop one form of cancer or another.
Not many people may be aware of the damage inflicted by the disease on Nigerians on a regular basis, but there are a few prominent cases that have been well documented over the years. They include the cases of the late human rights activist and lawyer, Gani Fawehinmi, who was even wrongly diagnosed before he belatedly flew abroad for proper diagnosis; a former Vice-President, Augustus Aikhomu; another human rights activist, Beko Ransom-Kuti; Mariam, wife of a former military president, Ibrahim Babangida; Simbiat, wife of the late business mogul and presumed winner of the 1993 presidential election, MKO Abiola; and former Minister of Information, Dora Akunyili.
Cancer is described by the WHO as the generic name for a large group of diseases that affect any part of the body. Also called malignant tumours and neoplasms, it is “the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their normal boundaries, and which can invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs.” The latter process, referred to as metastasising, is the major cause of death from cancer. Cancer falls under the category known as lifestyle disease, as distinct from diseases that are caused mainly by infection from virus, bacteria and fungi, among others.
Among the risk factors for cancer are unhealthy eating habit, especially the absence or low content of fruits and vegetables in dietary intake, indulgence in alcohol and tobacco, lack of physical activities and high body mass index (or obesity). Tobacco, in particular, has been fingered in 20 per cent of cancer deaths and 70 per cent of lung cancer mortality, according to reports quoting WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer. Other factors include ageing, as risks for specific cancers rise with age, and infections such as Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which compromises the body’s immune system, is also a high risk factor for cervical cancer.
The general rule for cancer is that early detection increases the possibility of cure. This is an important factor in a country like Nigeria where facilities and expertise for the screening and treatment of cancer are thin on the ground. Most times, either due to lack of capacity or lack of equipment for early detection, the diagnoses come at very advanced stages, where the cancer cells might have spread to many other parts of the body. Those who can afford it, at that stage, fly the patients to India, where almost invariably they die.
There should be deliberate efforts by the government, partnering the private sector, to make the facilities and services available at affordable cost. Treatment of cancer usually targets cure or prolonging life considerably for those whose cases are beyond cure. But even more importantly is the need for an awareness campaign. A recent campaign by Olufunso, the wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, was able to produce more than 40 people with lumps in their breasts, mostly women, one of the signs of impending cancer, in just one outing.
Besides, since the factors that predispose people to cancer infection have already been mentioned, it is important to ensure that they are avoided. For instance, smoking should be completely avoided as it is responsible for about 70 per cent of lung cancer. The need to eat right, more vegetables and fruits, instead of processed food, cannot be overemphasised. Eating the right kind of meals, together with engaging in physical activities, helps to fight obesity and produce the right level of body mass index. Since old age will always come, observing these tips will help to age gracefully and keep cancer at bay.
