Cancer kills more people globally than
malaria, HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) combined, and impacts on low to
middle- income countries like Nigeria.
Accordingly, the 2012 data of the International
Agency for Research on
Cancer, stipulates 102,079 new cancer cases every year and 71,571 cancer
deaths annually in Nigeria.
This was revealed at a cancer seminar held at the Lakeshore Cancer
Center(LCC), Victoria Island, Lagos, where the LCC Medical Director, Dr
Chummy Nwogu, pointed out that it was probably a marked under-estimation
as cancer registration is really poor in Nigeria.
"Over 70 per cent of patients die despite the fact that we do not
capture all of them – over 20 percent of people with cancer are still
not captured. This is because many patients usually seek alternative
treatments, traditional healers or prayer houses. These numbers are
predicted to rise dramatically over the next few years,” Nwogu said.
He explained that Nigerians no longer need to travel to India and other
foreign countries for the treatment of cancer as a world-class cancer
treatment centre like Lakeshore has opened in the country.
According to him, “the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that
one third of cancers can be prevented, one third cured and one third
effectively palliated. Hence, the great need for education, screening
and early detection.”
Also, he added that LCC is committed to providing cancer patients with
tools for early detection, diagnosis and consultation with excellent
oncologists without having to travel away from loved ones at home. The
centre also launched the Foundation for Cancer Care in West Africa
(FCCWA) to provide cancer care for the less privileged in Nigeria and
across West Africa.
“The treatment for cancer is capital intensive and long term, so most
individuals cannot sustain the cost. The foundation is therefore
focused on fostering collaboration between government agencies,
corporate organisations, various medical facilities and advocacy groups.
Philanthropic donations are always welcome and much appreciated for the
care of cancer in West Africa,” Nwogu said.
Also speaking at the event, Associate Professor of Oncology, Dr. Tracey
O’Connor said that early screening and detection are indispensable in
the prevention and management of cancer.
“Three cancers – breast, cervical and prostate claim the highest number
of lives in Nigeria. But all of them, if brought to medical attention
early in their development are highly curable. So, basically testing and
early detection can hugely reduce fatalities,” she stated.
O’Connor counselled Nigerians to go for screening. She recommended
Human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine for young girls of 11 and 12 years.
She said: “The vaccine is to prevent the human papilloma virus which
causes most cervical cancers.
0 comments:
Post a Comment