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Tag: cancer

  • 250,000 Nigerian women die of cancer annually says foundation

    250,000 Nigerian women die of cancer annually says foundation

    The wife of the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Zainab Bagudu, on Saturday said  about 250, 000 Nigerian women die of cancer annually.

    She said this during a walk to create awareness on cancer in Abuja with the theme: “ Walk Away Cancer’’.

    According to her, the walk is to create awareness as well as to try and save 250 women who die from cancer annually.

    Bangudu noted that 95 per cent of women who developed cancer in the developed society had five years of survival, saying that Nigeria had only five per cent survival rate.

    She said that this year’s event was using football as a tool to mobilise and create awareness, adding that “cancer is a global epidemic but it is worse in Africa’’.

    She, however, stressed the need for every hand to be on deck to remedy the poor statistics.

    “Health care facilities in Nigeria are poor and weak and there is no effective screening system in place.

    “We at MedicAid Cancer Foundation are reaching out for the low and poor people, and to improve awareness and as well disabuse the minds of people about cultural and traditional beliefs that cancer is caused by witchcraft.

    “We also bring people together to raise funds so as to help the poor and the ignorant women of Nigeria who are dying from cancer yearly.

    “Early screening of the breast and cervical for cancer will help to effectively detect and treat it,” she said.

    Mr Abubakar Bagudu, the governor of Kebbi State, said  creating awareness on cancer would help beat the disease as well as save lives.

    According to him, awareness is an important element to ensuring that everybody, both the rich and poor had the knowledge about cancer.

    “My wife, who is passionate about humanity took up the challenge and through Medicaid Foundation, has been organising cancer events annually.

    Read also: Cancer of Endometrium: Prevention and treatment

    “We are glad that people are responding and more awareness is being created and the significance of the walk is that something can be done about cancer.

    “ Exercise is very important in order to help prevent it,’’ he said.

    A cancer survivor, Folake Olabisi, said that early detection was important to saving lives and therefore stressed the need for women to have routine checks.

    She admonished women with family history of cancer to always have themselves checked as well as pass on the habit to their children and future generations.

    She, however, said that creating awareness and being courageous to talk about cancer would help in encouraging people to come out.

    Mr Kanu Nwankwo, a former Green Eagles player, in his words advised that the awareness be taken to the rural areas  to reach the unreached.

    He also appreciated the wife of the executive governor for the cause and pledged his support for the walk against cancer. (NAN)

  • Cancer of Endometrium: Prevention and treatment

    Generally speaking, all cancers are bad. However, few cancers if any can be so stealthy as much as cancer of the womb lining (endometrium) and that of the ovary. Like all cancers, if caught early, the danger posed by cancer of the endometrium and that of the ovary can be nipped in the bud. Cancer of the endometrium can also be called cancer of the womb. This cancer is very common for several reasons.

    What are the risk factors or reasons for cancer of the endometrium?

    Most commonly, this cancer affects women who are in very late stage of their reproductive years or past their reproductive era. That is not to say, that it may not occur in other age group. It certainly could depending on the circumstances. Since menopause occurs in women who are in their late forties or fifties, cancer of the womb are most frequent in this age range.

    Women without children of their own who had never used the womb to carry pregnancies are at risk. In fact, the fewer the number of pregnancies the woman carried, the more the risk, the evidence appears to suggest.

    Furthermore, women who are frequently menstruating, without say a break occasioned by pregnancies or medication that help to cease menstrual period, are at increasing risk of this cancer. This cancer is even more dangerous in a case whereby the hormones that is called estrogen operates alone without opposition from the hormone that is called progesterone even though the woman requires these two hormones for balance.

    From the foregoing, it’s clear that the later a woman reaches her menopause, the more she is exposed to estrogen for long, the higher the risk of cancer of the endometrium in the woman.

    Being obese is a bad risk for cancer of the endometrium. This is so because of the link between obesity and the hormone that I referred to above. A new study of late had shown that exercise (being likely to reduce obesity) do helps to prevent both cancers of endometrium and cancer of the breast alike.

    In the meantime, if a woman suffers from cancer of the breast and she is treated with the drug called tamoxifen, such woman risks suffering cancer of the endometrium as part of the side effects of the drug of tamoxifen.

    Though  it appears to be a rarity in Nigeria, women that smokes cigarette bears a higher danger of suffering from cancer of the endometrium.

    Women that had suffered or at risk of cancer of the colon, breast and ovary (especially if such produces estrogen) may be a victim of cancer of the endometrium.

    While none of us chooses our family at birth, some women are at risk of this cancer simply because of the accident of birth or inheritance that they had from their family.

    Other risk is actually being a black woman (with the high estrogen that it brings because of our exposure to the sun and because of our gene).

    What to look for: Irregular bleeding in a woman who is in menopause or sudden bleeding from the vagina in a women especially if she had reached 45 years and above, should first and foremost suspect likely cancer of the endometrium as the cause of her bleeding until proven otherwise.

    What to do: Do not delay. Do not think that your “period has returned” after a break or that you are still “fertile and able to bear children” simply because of vaginal bleeding that resembled your earlier menstrual periods. Danger may be lurking. Go immediately to a competent medical doctor or preferably a gyneacologist for full evaluation. The assessment may include taking a sample of the womb lining (endometrial biopsy/sampling), ultrasound scan of the womb area amongst others.

    Treatment: Working with the medical team, you both will decide what direction and treatment that is suitable for you. Such treatments may include surgery to remove the womb and ovaries if the cancer is early and had not spread to other organs. For a certainty, chemotherapy will play a central role in the entire treatment process.

    Prevention: The key is vigilance. Check your family history if you carry a risk of any type of cancer. Act to minimise the risk by possibly keeping a vigilant watch on the organ in question or simply have it removed if possible. As I advised above, any abnormal bleeding should be pursued with vigour until fully and satisfactorily resolved. There is no vaccination for cancer of the endometrium. Doing regular and structured exercise may also help.

    Using family planning method such as oral contraceptive and vaginal implant (hormone iUCD) do help to minimise the risk. It may sound silly, but it saves lives to have children and reasonable number of children too that you may take care of. In any event, should an unexpected bleeding occur, the wise thing is to have the incident thoroughly assessed. Prevention is cheaper, much cheaper than treatment.

  • Monkey virus, polio vaccine, cancer, immunity, herbs

    Monkey virus and monkey pox are the latest health issues in Nigeria. Ebola fever, with its potential to depopulate nations as the Black plague which wiped out about 30-60 percent (75-200 million) of Europe’s population between 1346 and 1353, is long forgotten now. So is HIV/AIDS which once caused a stir. Cancer is still on the ravage, with breast and prostate cancers being major causes of cancer deaths. But few people, doctors and patients alike, link a cancer with fungi, candida, bacteria, viruses and even heavy metals, which are regularly found in cancer tumours.

    Until 1994, monkey virus was not linked to a cancer in humans. This monkey virus, known to researchers as SV 40, was before 1994 known to cause cancer in animals. In 1994, Dr. Michelle Carbone, a Loyola University researcher, found the Monkey virus in half of the lung tumour he was studying. Dr. Carbone thought his discovery was a mistake. But it was not, as 60 laboratory studies other than his found Monkey virus in other human tumours that were investigated in Britain, New Zealand, France, Switzerland and Belgium.

    Acrimony among researchers, as in the case of HIV/AIDS, has hindered research progress, with some investigators challenging Dr. Carbone’s finding’s and saying the virus could have been induced by polio vaccine.

    Dr. Janet Butel, a virologist at Baylor College of Medicine, United States, agrees humans may have picked up Monkey virus from polio vaccine because the vaccine is made from monkey kidney cells. Thus, between 1955 and 1963, an estimated 20 million Americans may have been contaminated with Monkey virus SV 40 from polio vaccine. Nigerian data are not easy to come by. But a United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) campaign in 2016 aimed to vaccinate 41 million children in 18 Nigerian northern states, Chad Republic, Niger Republic, the Cameroon and Central African Republic, according to a report by Anna MacSwan. Last year, just when it was thought that polio had been eradicated in all countries except Afghanistan and Pakistan, some attacks in North-east Nigeria brought UNICEF back there to vaccinate 25 million children. Last month, polio vaccination raised the political temperature in two states in Nigeria’s South-east where the Army had just put down a social protest to balkanize Nigeria into independent nations. The army had joined other organisations which, for good community relations, were offering free polio vaccination for children. The army’s olive branch was ill timed, however, as its antagonists waged a social media campaign against the drive, claiming it was designed to depopulate the region.

    The antagonists of the Nigerian Army in the south-eastern states of Nigeria may be wrong or simply waging an ethnic war against a President they did not elect to power in 2015. But their reactions may have been instinctive or even intuitive at other levels if, indeed, Monkey virus SV 40 causes cancer, and the vaccine against it, derived from the monkey kidney, may have been contaminated by this virus, with the potential of contaminating vaccinated children and, some day, exposing them to cancer. Thus, the Monkey virus may be a cancer-causing agent in the bodies of everyone who has taken the polio vaccination derived from monkey kidneys. That may explain why adults of my age or younger, or even children under 10years of age, are now falling prey to cancer in today’s Nigeria, and we wonder: why children? Yet the answer is simple. If today’s children habour monkey virus in their bodies, but their immunity still being strong fends off a cancer, it may be only a question of time before the ugly bear raises its head because of the anti-health diet this children are expose to. What may mark the difference between the person who took the vaccination as a child and did not suffer from cancer till death from other cause(s) in ripe, old age, and the one who died of cancer at any age may be the quality of the immune function, diet and other factors.

    This column wishes to suggest that, in the treatment of Monkey virus, the immune system should be given priority attention as should the use of anti-viral herbs, some of which are presented below. It is interesting and helpful to note that the black plague which killed 200 million people did not kill four thieves in Marseilles, who picked pockets of the dead and ransacked their graves and homes but were not infected by this highly contagious disease. They protected themselves with herbs given to them by the mother of one of them who was a herbalist. There are many accounts of this story and herbal protocol. One of them came from Dr. John Christopher, a popular American herbalist.

    According to www.kitchendoctor.com: “Dr. John Christopher had a slightly different story and a variation of the formula that is clearly American, not French. His “Four Thieves” story is that there was a man named Richard Forthave who developed a remedy for the plague that was marketed under his name, a name which was corrupted to “Four Thieves.” There might indeed have been grave robbers who used this remedy to protect themselves while they divested corpses of treasures they would no longer need. The King of France had the thieves arrested and they bought their freedom with the remedy they had been using. Thus, the remedy did not fall into obscurity and has been used for centuries since to protect against contagion.

    “DR. JOHN CHRISTOPHER PLAGUE FORMULA

    • 8 parts apple cider vinegar, •5 parts glycerine U.S.P.
    • 5 parts honey, •2 parts garlic juice, fresh, • 2 parts comfrey root concentrate •1 part wormwood concentrate, •1 part lobelia leaf and/or seed concentrate, •1 part marshmallow root concentrate, •1 part oak bark concentrate •1 part black walnut bark concentrate, •1 part mullein leaf concentrate, •1 part skullcap leaf concentrate •1 part uva ursi, hydrangea, or gravel root concentrate.”

     

    Monkey virus

     As the name of this disease suggests, it is caused by a virus. To prevent or dislodge it, a therapy may follow two directions. Viruses strike when the immunity is low. So, the immune system must be addressed. Secondly, anti-viral herbs should not be too far from reach.

    Some useful immune boosting and anti-viral herbs are Red Marine Algae, Astragalus, Cat’s claw, Cranberry, Olive leaf, Oregano leaf, Echinacea, Calendula (Marigold), Garlic and Cinnamon.

     

    Astragalus

    Like Burdock root and Dandelion, Astragalus tea, tincture, capsule or powder added to stew, for example, improves immune defences against viruses.

     

    Cat’s claw

    Loaded with antifungal, antiviral and anti-bacterial substances the tea may be taken regularly in place of beverage drinks which add little or no value to immune function or combat viruses.

    While some authorities believe more studies are required to confirm folklore claims that cat’s claw can fight cancer and boost immunity, some studies say it actually does. In one animal study, water soluble extract of Cat’s claw was given for eight weeks to the subjects. The white blood cell count rose significantly in all of them. The researchers found that the supplement repaired damage to single and double DNA strands. No acute or chronic toxicity was observed in the experimental animals. In a human study, human subjects took cat’s claw supplement for two months before they were vaccinated against pneumonia. The report of the study speaks of “statistically significant immune enhancement” in the individuals taking the cat’s claw supplement compared with the untreated control group.

     

    Olive leaf

    This herb has the outlook of a broad spectrum fighter of diseases. We take it for granted. Yet scientists have found that one of its constituents, oleuropein has the potential to lower blood pressure, curb elevated blood sugar, lower total cholesterol and, in addition, destroy fungi, bacteria and viruses. Oleuropein and other compounds in Olive leaf have been shown to prevent viruses from reproducing by inhibiting their ability to produce amino acids. This is an advantage over antibiotics, which lack “a targeted attack of the problem” rather than attack the viruses and the host human cells.

    Traditionally, olive leaf has been used to boost immunity and provide antioxidant protection against free radical ravage. One study suggested that a liquid extract of olive leaf has four times more antioxidant than Vitamin C and twice as that of Green tea. Some of the viruses which have been shown to yield to Olive leaf extract are those of common cold, herpes and flu.

     

    Shark liver oil

    This oil helps in cold and flu which are known to be caused by viruses. Its leading chemical factors are Alkylglycerol and Squalene. Squalene helps the sharks to survive low oxygen environment in deep water. Squalene is present in human skin, but its production and availability there reduce with age. Alkylglycerol have been used in northern Europe to prevent and treat cancer. In other European countries, it is widely used for making the immune system more efficient. It is prescribed for conditions such as asthma, and other respiratory conditions. It is finding new uses in anti-aging therapies, particularly for immune cells and the cardiovascular system.

    An Italian study in the flu season of 2009/2010 experimented with 100mg of Alkylglycerol two times a day at the peak of the season. The study involved 52 participants. The control group, comprising 60 participants, received no Alkylglycerol. All the subjects took the traditional flu vaccine. Of the 52 Alkylglycerol group, 42 participants (81 percent) had no flu symptoms during the flu season with the other 10 having only mild symptoms. Their ailment cleared between two and three days without any drug treatment. The control group presented only 20 of 60 participants (33 percent) with no flu symptoms. The others were infected in varying degrees.

    We should thank the people of Norway and Sweden who, for hundreds of years, have used shark liver oil to heal wounds, respiratory and digestive system problems and swellings in the lymphatic system, especially inflammation of lymph nodes.

    In the human body, the largest concentration of Alkylglycerol is in the bone marrow where immune and red blood cells are produced. It nourishes the bone marrow and suggests why shark liver oil or Alkylglycerol is prescribed for chemotherapy patients whose white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets are suppressed by this poisonous anti-cancer drug.

    The second largest concentration of Alkylglycerol in the body (.05 percent) is in the spleen, an important segment of the immune system which performs anti-bacterial functions. As a member of the immune support system, the spleen, when nourished well with Alkylglycerol, offers support for this crucial system, especially in Monkey virus therapy. The immune system may be healthy and good, but its hands may be too full and this may lower its efficiency. When the spleen helps to clear bacteria out of the way, the system has reserve energy to deal with viruses and other troublesome agents. It is not surprising, therefore, that Alkylglycerol is present in human breast milk at 0.1 percent concentration, to give the baby immune protection.

     

    Red Marine Algae

    As early as 600 B.C., this algae has been used as food and as medicine to clear circulation obstructions and improve well-being. Its use as an anti-viral remedy is popular in China. But this does not dwarf its other uses in, say, “boils, urinary infections, goiter, asthma and stomach problems, and also for ulcers and tumours with varying degrees of success”.

    In European countries, Red Marine Algae is well known for the treatment of cold sores, which are virus-derived. For a long time, cold sore sufferers had no long-term relief. As this column once wrote.

    “Herpes I, or cold sores are not nice viruses because they can be dormant for years and then be activated by one trigger or another. These triggers include menopause, stress, dental work, other infections, sunburn and fatigue caused by overwork…it starts off as a small blister, perhaps one or two, with a slight burning sensation. You don’t take much notice of it, suddenly it expands and becomes very painful. Like an itch on your skin, you can’t.

    Jobelyn maintains record in LASUTH breast cancer study

    I HAVE not trailed Jobelyn for about one or two years. But when I finally did about two weeks ago, I was not disappointed. I probably would if Mr. Olajuwon Okubena, the chartered accountant who produces Jobelyn, has become tired, for whatever reason, of subjecting it to rigorous laboratory and clinical studies.

    Jobelyn began its life in Nigeria as a traditional herbal remedy for anaemia in all sorts of health conditions, especially sickle cell challenge. Later, it was found useful for arthritis. Later, it was found good for diabetes. Later, it was found to improve well-being of users who suffered from HIV/AIDS, cancer, mental illness and stress. All these discovered benefits were known through rigorous studies at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) pharmacy department, the University of Benin, the University of Ibadan, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), the Military Hospital in Ikoyi, Lagos, and at various laboratories in Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    The latest experiment with Jobelyn was undertaken by LASUTH to determine if this product can reduce negative side effects associated with chemotherapy in breast cancer treatment. The study was to answer four questions.

    • Does Jobelyn improve PCV of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy?
    • Does Jobelyn improve white blood cell count of Breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy?
    • Does Jobelyn improve red blood cell count of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy?
    • Does Jobelyn improve heamoglobin readings of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy?

    Chemotherapy is the treatment of choice of conventional medicine in the treatment of various types of cancer. It is a poisonous, free radicals laden drug which is targeted at fast-growing cells in the body, cancer cells being fast growing as well. Unfortunately for many patients, Chemotherapy is non-selective and wages war on even healthy, fast growing cells as well. These include hair cells, those of the skin, intestine and bone marrow. Other healthy, but non-fast-growing cells may also be affected. Some of the common negative side effects of Chemotherapy are experienced with…

     

     

    Bone marrow cells

    These cells produce white and red blood cells and platelets. White blood cells fight infections. Red blood cells carry oxygen round the body. Platelets prevent bleeding. Chemotherapy may suppress the bone marrow, causing anaemia (low red blood cell count), neutropenia (low neutrophil count), neutrophilia (high neutrophil count) and thrombopenia (low platelet count).

     

    Hematocrit

    This is the percentage of red blood cells in relation to total blood volume. In earlier experiments with Jobelyn regarding anaemia in malaria, the hematocrit was found to improve within 24hours, giving Jobelyn at that time the image of an “alternative to blood transfusion”. The hematocrit is thought to be normal at a range of 31.8 to 43.2 percent.

    The kidneys participate in the production of red blood cells by producing a protein called erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Chemotherapy may suppress the production of this protein.

    During the LASUTH Jobelyn study in which some breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were given Jobelyn along with their treatment and another group was given a placebo, the following observations were made…

    “1. Jobelyn given in combination with breast cancer chemotherapy appears to stimulate red blood cell production as HCT values are considerably higher compared to those breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy alone.

    1. Jobelyn given in combination with breast cancer chemotherapy also appears to directly stimulate red blood cell production as RBC values are higher compared to those breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy alone (RBC= 3.58-4.99 mil/mm3).
    2. Jobelyn given in combination with breast cancer chemotherapy elicits a very slight increase in haemoglobin production compared to those breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy alone (haemoglobin=11.1-15.0g/dL).

    In summary, jobelyn given in combination with breast cancer chemotherapy stimulates red blood cell production improving both HCT and RBC and reduces chances of developing anemia by improving haemoglobin levels.”

  • Cancer of Cervix: Prevention and treatment

    Cervix is the thick muscular support at the neck of the womb. The purpose of the cervix is to support the pregnancy from early loss. Containing a channel at its centre, to a large extent, the cervix also controls what goes into the womb: Such as sperm migration into the womb.

    Cancer of the Cervix

    Cancer of the cervix is amongst the commonest cancer in women and the cancer is killing several women annually, yet cancer of the cervix is preventable.  Unlike breast cancer that is commoner in those who are over 40’s, cervical cancer can hit anyone who is sexually active.  Thus, to some extent, cancer of the cervix can be regarded as sexually transmitted disease.

    Cancer of the uterine cervix is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women worldwide: Second only to cancer of the breast. The estimated new cancer cervix cases per year are 500,000 of which 79% occur in the developing countries including Nigeria. Cancer of cervix occupies either the top rank or second among cancers in women in the developing countries, whereas in the affluent countries cancer cervix does not even find a place in the top 5 leading cancers in women.

     

    Causes

    Close to 70-90% percent of cervical cancer is caused by viral infection called human papilloma virus. This is sexually transmissible from the sexual partners. Thus, multiple sexual partners is a risk. Direct cigarette smoking or indirect smoke inhalation from smokers is a risk factor

     

    Signs and Symptoms of Cancer of  Cervix

    The sufferer may not know of the disease until it’s too late.  There may be bleeding during sexual intercourse. There may be vaginal discharge. In advanced cases, pain may occur in lower abdomen. Swelling of the abdomen may occur.  Other organs may be involved such as lung, liver and brain in the individuals where the disease has spread. Weight loss and anaemia may present itself.  To diagnose, CTScan, MRI Scan, Ultrasound and biopsy may be required in addition to pelvic examination.

     

    Prevention

    • Teenage girls (and boys) can now be vaccinated against human papilloma virus from the age of 13 to under 26.
    • 3-yearly cervical cancer screening (Pap-Smear) is highly recommended in any girl who is sexually active. During this period, a detection of any abnormality in the cervix can be corrected and treated by the doctor. Thereafter a repeat or more frequent screening can be recommended if necessary.
    • Sexual abstinence, use of barrier protection (condom) are likely to prevent occurrence of cancer of the cervix.
    • Sticking to a faithful partner while not a 100 per cent guarantee, will reduce the chance of developing cancer of the cervix.

     

    Treatment

    Surgery to remove the womb or cervix (Hysterectomy) or cervix alone can be considered. Cold or heat treatment of suspicious cancer cells is another step.  In advanced cases, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are other options.

     

    Psychotherapy

    Life can be challenging for cancer patients and not the least, breast and cervical cancer sufferers: they will need clinical and religious counselling in holistic approach and family support to see the patient through the illness.

  • ‘Watch your diet, lifestyle to avoid cancer ’

    ‘Watch your diet, lifestyle to avoid cancer ’

    Nigerians have been urged to avoid anything that can aggravate cancer formation in them.

    According to a Senior Registrar, Dr Olurotimi Olumide of the Department of Plastic Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba daily food, such as groundnut contains aflatoxin, which is poisonous and can cause live the deadly disease.

    Olumide made this known at the celebration of 300 years and launch of Grand Charity Foundation by the District Grand Lodge of Nigeria District with Chief Moses O. Taiga as Grand Master and Patrick Oroyemi as the District Grand Secretary.

    The theme of the event, which held at Lagos City Hall, is: ‘’Preventing prostate and breast cancer’.

    Olumide said aflatoxins are poisonous carcinogens that are produced by certain molds which grow in soil. ‘’Children are, particularly, affected by aflatoxin, which leads to stunted growth, delayed development, liver damage, and liver cancer. Adults have a higher tolerance to exposure but are also at risk.

    ‘’Any man from 40 should ensure yearly prostate screening, especially if they notice that they still feel their bladder is full after urinating, or experience back pain, likewise women should do mammogram screening for early detection of breast cancer.

    “Aflatoxins are among the most carcinogenic substances known.  Eating aflatoxin-contaminated food put the consumer at high risk of cancer, but breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men can be detected early and treated with the patients certified free of the the disease. Early detection is the most important step in getting that result,” Olumide, said.

    He pointed out that nobody is immune from cancer but if people learn to adhere to a healthy lifestyle and avoid excessive wines, and carefree diets, then a  cancer-free life is assured.

    The medic continued: “This has been documented that aside hereditary factors, lifestyle and diet play a significant role in cancer formation. So, women should know their history and avail themselves with appropriate screening. For instance those who did not breastfeed or those who start menstruation before age 13 or have hormonal replacement therapy should go for mammogram every year. Likewise Men that consume alcohol above 85 percent or Spirits above 75 percent are liable to cancer as well and should screen for.”

    Chief Taiga said  the talk was part of the District Grand Lodge of Nigeria District’s way of ensuring the rate of cancer is reduced, “which is part of the aim of this association- an altruistic addition to humanity, on the part of the members of this noble District, Grand Lodge of Nigeria District”.

  • Kebbi: Cancer foundation to train health workers

    Kebbi: Cancer foundation to train health workers

    Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF) a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) is set to put up a breast and cervical cancer screening training course to build capacity in healthcare workers in Kebbi state and Nigeria in general.

    A stakeholder forum which aim is to examine data collection from the States is expected to hold in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital leading professionals from and outside the country from 11th to 13th October 2017.with the theme: Accurate data collection as a tool for stimulating cancer control in Nigeria.

    The founder of MCF and wife of the governor of Kebbi State Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, at a press conference in Birnin Kebbi, said: “the organization is leading the fight to reduce Cancer in Nigeria with the foundation which was created 7 years ago and has treated over 600 patients battling the deadly disease with emphasis in early detection through sponsoring screenings, diagnosis and treatment for patients particularly at the grassroots.”

    “Global breakthrough against cancer is winning but in Nigeria, there are constraints for lack of resources.
    and awareness, stressing that the MCF works with leading Pharmaceutical Companies to reduce the high cost of treatment which is a great burden to patients, their families and the entire Nigerian healthcare system.

    “All our activities are in line with the national policy on Control and we have achieved all these by accessing donor grants and organizing fundraising events throughout the year but with more zeal in October, which is the designated awareness month global.”

    The event will also witness the lunch of a self-breast examination kits in the name of raising funds for patients.

    However, the national coordinator of MCF Dr Suraiya Mansur said the forum is set to assemble contributions to the improvement of the overall cancer control in Nigeria, it will provide a platform for discussions on quality and accessible screening programs and enhance integration of cancer care, community-based cancer approaches and provides concerted efforts in all aspects of survivorship.

  • Don: increase funding for cancer research, development

    Don: increase funding for cancer research, development

    •Academy of Pharmacy inducts six new fellows

    How can the rise in cancer cases be halted?

    It is by providing quality treatment, affordable  drugs and proper funding of research and development (R&D) into indigenous local herbs for treating cancer,  Isa Marte Hussaini, a professor of Pharmacology at the University of Maiduguri, has said.

    He also said inadequate funding, lack of constant power supply and non-availability of reagents from United States and United Kingdom remained challenges.

    “We need more research grants; it is not about the personnel but the tools to work with. All over the world, there are Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in the field of medicine,’’ Hussaini said.

    Hussaini spoke at the investiture of six fellows by the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAP).

    They were Director-General, Nigerian Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Prof. Karniyus Gamaniel, former deputy provost, University of Lagos, Prof. Herbert Coker; former national pharmaceutical advisor, World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Ogori Taylor; first African woman to bag the fellowship of American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) in the United States Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye; Pharmacy Residency Director, Mercer University College at Atlanta Medical Center, Dr. Teresa Pounds and Communications Management consultant and Chief Executive Officer, XLR8, Calixthus Okoruwa.

    Hussaini sought government’s   assistance to research funding, saying it would lead to the quick eradication of the epidemic.

    Hussaini, whose cancer research is on the use of local herbs for cancer treatment, said: “Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, the first being cardiovascular diseases with 8.2 million deaths reported worldwide as at 2012. Sadly, a lot of the research grants in Nigeria are focused on deaths arising from preventable diseases like malaria, TB when we should really be funding ground breaking research on cancer. We have seen fruitful evidence of the use of local herbs in the management of cancer in Nigeria.”

    NAP President, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, said the inductees have a strong passion for  research. They are professionals who appreciate the value of research in fast-tracking the social and economic progress of societies, he said.

    He described pharmacy as the bedrock of effective healthcare delivery, the best healthcare provider and force behind the discovery of new drugs.

    Adelusi-Adeluyi  said pharmacy is the key that unlocks medical knowledge.

    Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) President, Ahmed Yakasai, said the body was committed to making Nigeria the hub of pharmaceutical production and research on the continent.

    “Through a well-tailored plan, which we have broken down to short, medium and long-term plan, we are looking to promoting pharmaceutical manufacturing in Nigeria and examining the possibilities of producing about 70 percent  of what the industry needs, especially the active pharmaceutical ingredients while importing the remaining 30 percent,” Yakassa stated.

    Yakassai announced the launch of the PSN Foundation, in Abuja on October 17.

    He said the 90th celebration of the PSN had been billed for Umuahia.

    The event was attended by the PCN’s Registrar, Elijah Mohammed, Senator Olusola Adeyeye, General Secretary of the Academy, Prof. Fola Tayo, Vice President, Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, Chairman, Merit Pharmaceuticals, Dr Lolu Ojo, Nnamdi Obi.

    Others were former managing director, Neimeth Pharmaceuticals, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa;  founder, Alpha Pharmacy, Sir Ike Onyechi, Prof. Kemi Odukoya, former dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos (UNILAG); Prof. Mbang Femi-Oyewo, former dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) and Prof. Cecelia Igwillo of the University of Lagos.

  • Cancer of breast: Avoiding the Shadow of Death

    Last week, we discussed the causes of cancer and we discussed that cancer, to a large extent can be prevented. Cancer can also be treated if caught early enough. In today’s article, we will be looking at cancer of the breast in women.

    The Anatomy (Structure of the Breast)

    The human breast consists of fatty tissues, some strands of muscles and overlaid by skin. The dark part of the breast in front often at the centre of a fully grown breast is called areola and the projected teat at the centre of the areola is called the nipple.  The size of breasts varies in different individuals, regardless of race. The breast grows from about the age of  9 years in most girls until about the age of 18.  This growth is fuelled by the hormone called estrogen. Along with the hormone called progesterone and some others estrogen is responsible for the monthly menstrual period in women.

     

    The functions and purposes of the female breast

    The female breast serves a number of purposes. Amongst these, the most important function of the female breast is to nourish the new born. That is, to supply a well-balanced food containing water, protein, fat, minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates. Even without any other external food supply, the milk from the breast can sustain a new born baby for complete calendar months.

    The other function of the breast is a social one. The breast by virtue of its location is an object of beauty and hence an object that attract the male to the female.  This very act is geared towards attempt to reproduce.

     

    Cancer of the breast

    Cancer of the breast is the commonest cancer in women. Generally speaking, the core culprit causing cancer of the breast is estrogen, yet it’s a necessary hormone that helps to maintain the female appearance.

    However, there are risk factors that tend to make some women to develop cancer of the breast and put them at higher risk than others. Some of these are:

    • A family risk or history of cancer of the breast
    • Not ever breast fed babies. The less baby that the breast has breast-fed; the higher tend to be the risk.
    • No history of advanced pregnancy (progesterone tend to shield the breast from the harmful effect • No exercise/obesity
    • Oral contraceptive pills especially the ones that contain high amount of estrogen and menopause.
    • Poor nutritional habits, cigarette smoking and alcohol.
    • Environmental factors that tend to change the genetic make-up of the individual.

     

    Manifestation of cancer of the breast

    Usually there is a lump or growth which may often be felt by the individual or clinical examiner. If notice or care is not taken, the growth becomes bigger and spread to other areas. There could be ulceration of the skin from the growth area. There could be discharge from the nipple or bleeding. The covering skin of the breast could be distorted and appear like orange skin. The armpit on the affected side, could be involved and become swollen (lymphadenopathy). In very rare situation, the signs described above may not so be obvious until it’s too late.

     

    Prevention

    The key to it all is vigilance. A simple once-a-week self-examination of the breasts could safe life. Health professionals could teach women how to conduct this examination. Doctors and nurses can also examine the breast from time to time. In suspicious cases and in every woman above 40-years, mammography once a year is recommended. This can be combined with sonography if required. I once had a woman as a patient who developed cancer of the breast which according to her, she said she thought she had a “boil.”  By the time I saw and referred her to senior colleagues, it was too late. The cancer had spread beyond redemption. The key message therefore is for both men and women as well as couples to be super vigilant. Treat all growths in the breast and armpit with great suspicion.  Age is no longer a factor.

    In women (and men with family history of prostate cancer) who has a family history of breast cancer, ovarian and pancreatic cancers, it’s highly recommended that they have a genetic test (BRAC1 and BRAC2) done to reveal their vulnerability to breast cancer.

     

    Treatment

    Anyone who has a breast growth, changes in skin colour of the area round the nipple (areola area) or abnormal discharge should contact a qualified doctor as a soon as possible for assessment. Treatment may include surgery to remove part of or the whole of the breast or both breasts. Other treatments include radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

  • Cancer in Women: Avoiding the Shadow of Death—1

    Perhaps, there is no other class of illness in the entire medical practice and current medical knowledge, save destructive pestilence, that strikes a lightening fear into human mind as much as cancer. It’s no speculation nor a child’s play that cancer is a dangerous and deadly illness wherever the diseases occur in the entire human body. While it needs not be so, the mere mentioning of cancer tends to be interpreted as a death sentence upon the sufferer. Nonetheless, cancers can both be prevented and treated especially if caught early.

    In the series of articles to follow, we will take a look at cancers in women starting from the commonest forms of cancer in females. In the midst of the gloom called cancer and regardless of how we all see cancer as being lethal, a lot of cancers are preventable via changes in our human behavior, undertaking vaccination, modifying our nutritional conducts, doing regular medical checks and other measures.

    In general, let us begin our quest with what causes cancer in general.  When we have dealt with the causes, we will then go on to consider cancers that are peculiar to women: these are often called gynaecological cancers. That said, men and women do share some common cancers such as cancer of the skin, lungs, liver, colon, stomach, bladder and many cancers in different part of the body.

    Causes of cancer, in no particular order;

    • Environment: Radiation from the Sun (causes cancer of the skin), radiation from artificial or man-made objects such as exposure to say nuclear sites may cause cancers • Nutritional imbalance and poor physical activity: Cancer of the colon can result from lack of consumption of high fiber diets.
    • Drugs and substances: Misuse of certain medications and irrational use of substances such as alcohol may result in cancer of the say liver. Smoking has definitely been linked with cancer of the lung. Piping of tobacco, may cause cancer of the lips.
    • Infections: Viruses have been implicated in many cancers. Example, cancer of the cervix in women is linked to human papilloma virus. Cancer of the face or jaws in children, cancer of the blood, cancer of the liver (linked to viral hepatitis) to name a few are linked infections. Same can be said of the cancer of the throat, stomach and anus.
    • Genetics: Whom we are, what family we came from, what we got from our parents in terms of genetic materials may lead to such cancers as cancer of the breast in both men and women, cancer of the ovary in women, cancer of the prostate in men and many others.
    • Chemicals and carcinogens. Some cancers can occur when we exposed to some deadly chemicals or when we are in contact with wrongful chemicals in food, air and water. Some professions such as a printer who frequently deals with some kind of paints may risk cancer of bladder as much as some rural dwellers who are infected with the worm that is found in water.
    • Life events: Yet there are some events in life which may not necessarily be our fault. Such events may ultimately aid the occurrence of cancer. Example, it’s known that a woman who breast feeds her children may benefit by not developing cancer of breast. Not having children with long term exposure to female hormone called estrogen are risk factors in causation of cancer of breast and endometrium. Too frequent ovulation without the benefits that is provided by many pregnancies may also be a factor in causing cancer of the ovary.
    • In general, our life habits, may lend itself to cancer: example is what we eat or what we don’t eat and drink such as red meat and alcohol, the exercise we failed to take, the weight that we should not have gained, the sex we should not have had and our failure to follow natural order of living.

    As I mentioned earlier, some cancers are preventable. Though I will be dealing with each preventive measure when we get to individual cancers that we may be discussing, suffice to say that, early vaccination of boys and girls against human papilloma virus can prevent cancer of the cervix, anus and throat in respective genders.  Vaccination against hepatitis B can prevent against liver cancer. Prompt treatment of viral infections can help us overcome cancers. Good nutrition devoid of heavy alcohol use may prevent cancer of the stomach and of the gullet.

    As we now focus on specific cancers, we will cover cancer of the breast, cervix, endometrium and cancer of the ovary: that is not to say that cancer of vagina, vulva and Fallopian tubes don’t occur, the fact is that they are not as common as the other gynaecological cancers.  First, let us begin with cancer of the breast.

  • ‘ Cancer is now an epidemic in Nigeria’

    ‘ Cancer is now an epidemic in Nigeria’

    Prof. Remi Ajekigbe is a consultant at the Department of Radiotherapy, Radiodiagnosis and Radiography at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL) and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba. In this interview, he tells OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA some of the steps that can be taken to stem the cancer tide ravaging the country. 

    hat have you discovered over the decades in the treatment of cancer?

    I have learnt in close to 40 years that the management of cancer and its care treatment have not changed. We still see cancer patients coming late to the hospital. I remember we have written papers, talked at seminars and made recommendations on what the positive difference of early presentation can make in the overall treatment of cancer patients. And till date, we still have patients coming in at very late stages.This is traceable to our cultural belief that these diseases are caused by human beings in form of ‘enemies’, ‘the other woman’, as a form of attack through diabolical means.The hospital, unfortunately, is not the first place of call by these sufferers, except for few highly educated ones, who come in early. Even those ones, how early in the real sense do they come? So, we are tasked with educating people on cancer.

    Why did you say that?

    It appears that the government is not too serious about cancer treatment in Nigeria. As of today, I can say categorically that cancer has become an epidemic in Nigeria. I do not know when the government will be convinced that cancer is now an epidemic. We haven’t got enough facilities to treat cancer to international acceptable standard. And the manpower is not enough. Virtually all the cancer machines across the country are down. When we were being trained abroad, we were told that we are doctors of the future in Africa and the future is now here. Africa, especially Nigeria, is not prepared for cancer treatment. When we talk of Africa here, I mean the Sub-Sahara black Africa. North and South Africa are ok. Why Sub-Sahara Africa is not prepared for cancer treatment is still a puzzle. I do not know. Nigeria is the future of the black man. I hope Nigeria will take up the challenge.

    Cancer rate is that it is an epidemic. There is no Nigerian family that would say it does not know or have somebody affected by cancer. The reality is that everybody is a potential cancer victim.This disease does not have respect for age, creed, gender, wealth, and position. Everybody should avoid it. For instance, prostate cancer is becoming at par with cancer of the breast. Virtually all men, who come to the hospital have cancer of the prostate. Some argued that it is due to awareness. That is, men report themselves to the clinics. The rate is on the increase, not only caused by ageing factor, for we now see 42-year-old patients.

    What do you think are the causes?

    For cancer, the genetic factor is there, social factor is there. Total environmental factors are there as well. Frightening enough, we are becoming less and less Africans except in our complexion. We are becoming more westernised. Cancer with other non communicable diseases are the supreme prize.

    What is the way out?

    Cancer education should be done in all nooks and crannies of the country. Every state should have a cancer centre. This is possible because more manpower should be trained in cancer care and treatment.The ones trained some years ago are already ageing and close to retirement, and will ease out of the system. The younger ones are not showing much interest because it is not a lucrative part of medicine. Many medics are moving across the country now with titles like ‘I’m an oncologist’, because cancer is now ravaging. If the government wants to ensure that cancer, as an epidemic, is arrested in the country, it must as a matter of urgency allocate an oil bloc to cancer. That will create more cancer centres across the country. It will train more manpower that can be deployed in all parts of the country as cancer specialists. That will stop people from travelling from one part of the nation to another in search of treatment.

    Imagine somebody living in Maiduguri coming to Lagos, or from Calabar to Abuja. Every state will have cancer centres with the necessary machines. At least, two machines so that when one breaks down, the other gets people treated while the former is being repaired. The situation is so bad that patients are requesting to be transferred to Ghana. That is an insult to the country. Even referrals to India is insulting. We have qualified hands here, but lack  facilities.

    Are there other ways out of this epidemic?

    We should just encourage more doctors into the field of oncology. And those trainees should forget about the lucrative part of medicine and come to cancer management. Naturally, such trainees will have milk of kindness. People with cancer are really suffering. Many do not even know that cancer is a bone-seeking disease. It can affect any part or bone of the body except hair, teeth and nail, leading to severe pains. If you see a male cancer patient crying, you will be dejected knowing that ordinarily men don’t usually cry. I see all these and I do not feel comfortable with them and that is why I am appealing to those, who matter in government, to please listen to what we are saying on cancer management.

    What about drugs availability?

    The drugs that really work in cancer cases are very expensive, especially the ones called Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). These drugs are effective. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with a chemotherapy drug or a radioactive particle are called conjugated monoclonal antibodies.The mAb is used as a homing device to take one of these substances directly to the cancer cells.The mAb circulates throughout the body until it can find and hook onto the target antigen.  A Federal Government civil servant with cancer of the breast was a patient here. The breast cancer dictated the drugs it needed and they are Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). We cost it and arrived at N18.6million. There was no way she could raise the money being a junior civil servant. If all she has, along with friends and co-workers are put up as bazaar, all cannot amount to that amount. I had to write to the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) that the patient was too young to die, appealing that he should use his offices to assist a Federal Government civil servant.

    After many attempts, he listened and approved the drugs. He gave a condition: that the drugs would be procured but first doses given at a Federal hospital in Abuja and others in Lagos, to be absolutely sure. The lady and I complied and she was sent to Abuja for the first cause of chemotherapy and the Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). She is cancer free now. That is an isolated case. How many have gone because they could not afford the drugs – males, females, even children, and cannot be helped; the list is endless. Another was the wife of a soldier. She too could not afford the drugs and I cited the isolated case because I know her as a civil servant working in LUTH. That if the couple can follow same by requesting the Chief Commandant to write such a letter, who knows? They did and the woman is also ok.

    What lessons did you draw from those experiences?

    I will strongly recommend that the NHIS include the coverage of cancer treatment to, at least, an extent. For instance, take a look at children with cancer, otherwise called childhood cancers. When these children are in pains, no matter how strong you are,you will break down; something will give way in you. Each time I see them in that ward  – I ask, what is the government doing for its citizens? This is not a game-blaming situation. The poor have many children and when those children fall sick with cancer, you cannot but see their raw sufferings. There are no charity organisations that give out drugs, no government, so the children suffer. Government really needs to help cancer patients.

    The Federal Ministry of Health recently took some steps on cancer care nationwide, do you see them working?

    I think the Federal Ministry of Health is the only ministry that does not bring in money to the coffer of the government. It is ever spending. So, in budget allocation in spite of the World Health Organisation’s recommendation, the country is way far back. Health is wealth. If Nigerians are healthy, they will work and increase the gross domestic product. More investment should be done in the health sector.

    What are to be done to avoid developing cancer?

    Nigerians should re-embrace organic foods. Enough of this western diet – fast food, fizzy drinks, noodles, pasta, white bread, over processed food, can food, smoked/burnt food etc. Nigeria is yet to see what the future is like because these noodles-eating generations by the time they grow up, without being a pessimist, we will be recording more colorectal, and gastro-urinary cancers. This is the time to go back to our natural foods. Most Nigerian staple foods have fibres that help  to ease digestion and passage of faeces.Women should avoid expired or inferior cosmetics. Some of those ingredients – lead, mercury etc are carcinogenic. They can lead to cancers of the skin, breast, even leukemia (cancer of the blood), among others. Also, the moderate use of roll-on is good. Most Nigerians are right handed, so when they apply roll-ons, they apply much on the left side, hence higher cases of left cancer of the breast. The nation is paying a lot of price for civilisation.