Director, Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Biochemistry Department, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Mrs. Oyeronke Odunola, has said, cases of cancer in Nigeria is on the rise, leading to over 72,000 deaths yearly and an estimated 102,000 new cases annually. She identified, hereditary predisposition, epigenetic changes, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diet amongst others, as major causes of cancer rise in the country.

Odunola said this on Tuesday, at the maiden edition of the Ellen Adeyinka Anjorin Cancer Foundation’s annual memorial cancer awareness lecture, tagged, ‘Cancer Prevention and Survival’ held via a Google Meet Platform.

According to her, “Cancer is on the increase in Nigeria like most other countries in sub-Saharan Africa.The National Cancer Control Plan (2018–2022), stated that cancer is responsible for 72,000 deaths in Nigeria every year, with an estimated 102,000 new cases of cancer annually. “Global Cancer Observatory (Globocan) 2018 reports said Nigeria recorded 115, 950 cases of cancer that year. 22.7% were diagnosed of breast cancer, 12.9% were diagnosed of cervical cancer, 11.3% were diagnosed of prostate cancer, 5.8% were diagnosed of colorectal cancer, 4.6% were diagnosed of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and 42.7% were diagnosed of other types of cancer. The most prevalent

types of cancer in Nigeria are therefore breast cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer. Colorectal cancer and blood cancers like multiple myeloma and leukemia are also on the increase. “In addition to hereditary predisposition and epigenetic changes, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diets; consumption

of contaminated underground water; and exposure to environmental insults such as carbon fumes from car exhaust, home and industrial generators, fires woods, camp fires, burning of spent tyres; petroleum products (engine oil, diesel, domestic cooking gas); cigarettes smokes; electromagnetic waves from cell phones, remote controls etc. are some of the major causes of cancer,” she added.

Odunola however noted that, cancer may be frightening and its prognosis poor but, “it is not a death sentence. Early detection, proper and correct diagnosis, and adequate treatment are the keys to survival. The stage of the cancer at detection and presentation in the hospital is very critical to survival.”

The Biochemistry professor said, the lecture became imperative to amplify the message that cancer could be overcome through early detection and correct diagnosis, appropriate treatment, follow-up as well as support for patients and survivors. She said although, cases regarding

cancer were increasing but, significant improvement in the changing tides against cancer in the country is commendable. According to her, “The government is trying as there is a significant improvement in the cancer dissemination, education and outreach programmes across the country. More opportunities have also been created for training of healthcare providers in the country.”

She, however, called for improvement, provision of equipment and facilities for managing cancer, and funding support, for the cancer research institutes and laboratories.

Credits: The Catholic Herald