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Tag: cancer

  • Organisation takes cancer awareness to Lagos streets

    Organisation takes cancer awareness to Lagos streets

    A non-governmental organization (NGO), Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (COPE), has embarked on a 10-km walk to create awareness and sensitisation about breast cancer.

    Members of the organisation, partners, friends and cancer survivors, walked from the Arch Bishop Vinning memorial Cathedral, GRA, Ikeja to Maryland, wearing breast cancer awareness shirts and distributing flyers, yesterday.

    President of the organization, Mrs Ebunola Anozie said the walk was organized as one of the activities to commemorate COPE’s 20th anniversary this month.

    She said: “It has been 20 years of fighting breast cancer and we are stronger than ever. We want to reduce the mortality rate of breast cancer. This is breast cancer awareness, we want people to understand the reality of breast cancer and the walk is a good form of exercise for everyone. This is fantastic. I advice people to examine their breasts, present early and watch their lifestyle. We want to make everyone around aware.”

    Mrs Anozie also called for the establishment of a comprehensive cancer centre in the state to cater to the needs of cancer patients, while the survivors cheered in agreement.

    Also walking with the group was head of strategic brand management of Skye Bank, Nduneche Ezuruike, who charged everyone to take cancer awareness to their families and circles to help spread the word.

    He said: “The scourge of cancer in Nigeria has been a major problem so we are seeking to intervene to ensure that every woman undergoes breast examination. You cannot say you are free until you undergo a test. We are joining people across the world to say no to cancer. We have been partnering with COPE for the past 10 years to campaign against breast cancer. Sponsoring this walk today is just part of our social responsibility to ensure that the fight against cancer is won. We believe that if we work concertedly, we can win the fight.

    “You see, cancer awareness is a family thing. If you think you are not involved by virtue of age, or that you have undergone the test, there are people in your family or your relations who might need the information. So this is a clarion call to those who are not here that wherever you are, join this fight against cancer. With such little steps, we will make a big outcome.”

  • Breast cancer: Clinical anatomy and breast self-examination

    Breast cancer: Clinical anatomy and breast self-examination

    Surface markings (outline) of the breast on the chest wall.

    The female breast is perhaps the largest cluster of glands located in the  skin, where anatomical and physiologic changes  that occur secondary to hormonal regulation can be seen and felt.

    The breast is enclosed between two sheets of body tissue (superficial and deep layers); the superficial fascia that lie on a deeper one which adheres to and covers the chest wall muscles.

    Remarkable variations occur, but the base (bottom) of the normal breast extends from the second rib up, and then down to the 6th rib below. From the middle of the sternum(breast bone), it extends to the mid point of the clavicle( collar bone) and side wards (laterally) to the middle of the axilla (arm pit). Usually, part of the normal breast tissue reaches out towards the region of the armpit by a tongue- like extension which unlike  the rest of the breast reaches down to the tissue covering the chest muscles (pectoralis major); this is the axillary tail of Spence

    Where as in a normal breast, the lower portion shows clear demarcation from the rest of the chest wall, (infra mammary fold), else where, edges of the breast proper, blend smoothly with neighboring chest tissues. Tissue from one breast may cross the middle (breast bone) in front, and can also extend downward below the intra mammary fold . this explains why cancer can spread from one breast to the other and hence it is good to know the contours and outline of your own breast.

    The nipple (papilla mammaria)

    This projects from the areola, a darkened circular portion located at the summit of the breast. It is usually cylindrical or comical in a normal breast; it can also be invented or flat especially in the young.

    Contours of the two breasts are not always entirely symmetric(mirror image), but sudden or gradual appearance of new edges may indicate abnormal changes from inside the breast tissue.

    Sudden or recent inversion or flattening of the nipple is abnormal and calls for urgent medical attention.

    The fully formed breast consists of glandular epithelium embedded in fibrous connective tissue In a normal breast, it is located at the center of the grape-like lobes of the breast, surrounded by the fibrous connective tissues with fat tissue being outer most. The lactiferous (milk) ducts branch extensively in the connective tissues fame work.

    Considerable variations exist in the composition, consistency (feel), and size of the fibroglandular mass of the breast. This is responsible for the sometimes obvious differences between the corpus mamma (body of the breast) not only during the life spine of every woman, but also between women of the same age and even between the two breasts of an individual

    Each milk diet (Lactiferous duct) dilates as it passes under the areola to form a Lactiferous Sinus).

    The ducts are mainly estrogen(present in males and females but usually more in females) dependent but the glands are progesterone dependent.

    A mammary lobule is defined as a cluster of the ductules together with the duct that it drains.

    Most malignant new growth of the breast are carcinomas and they arise from neoplastic changes in the living cells of the milk ducts or their large extra lobular branches especially in cases of  ductal carcinomata.

    Connective Tissue Frame Work(scaffolding) of the breast.

    This extends from the skin to the deep fascia of pectoralis major (chest wall muscle). It is a combination of fat and dense fibrous tissue which makes up the corpus mammae (body of the breast)

    When placed between radiographic plates, x-rays will pass though fat and we say that portion shows translucency whereas the fibrous tissues, lobules and the ducts, don’t allow passage and show as opaque spots. The contrast is what is applied in mammography (x-ray study of the breast)

    The superficial fascia(skin cushion) in which the body of the breast is embedded(padded) has a limiting membrane at the base of the breast called retromammary fascia and is separated from the fascia over the chest ( pectoral fascia) by the retromammary space. This accounts for the free mobility of the breast; a very useful anatomical arrangement for breast examination

    In front (anteriorly) extensions of the fibrous tissue pass though the outer covering of the corpus mammer to attach to the overlying skin. These are known as suspensory ligaments. Claws of cancer can follow there strands as they sometimes contain glandular tissue. For women who are still menstruating (cycling), the breast feel lumpy. This is due to variations in size of ligaments and island of fat lobules present, even within the fibrous glandular masses leading to irregular surfaces

    Nerve supply:

    Arrangement of nerves in the breast determine how the pain of cancer is located and felt

    Cutaneous(skin) branches to the anterior and lateral (front and sides) arise from the upper six intercostals, principally 4th, 5th & 6th.Sensory fibers are particularly abundant on nipple for pain, pleasure and sucking  reflex path ways

    Blood supply

    The  pattern of vessels including blood vessels also determine the  routes or channels through which cancer spreads to bone, brain and other vital organs of the body. It also helps Clinicians  decide on treatment and pattern of surgery

    The lower and bottom areas of the breast are usually free from the blood vessels, particularly the arteries.

    Cancer cells can spread through blood in blood vessels (haematogenous spread) running mostly in the superficial fascia( under the skin); the principal arteries  are;

    1. internal thoracic via enlarged anterior perforating branches (first 4 mainly) but 2nd and 3rd are particularly prominent, which supply the breast as medial mammary artery.
    2. Axillary artery via its 2nd and lateral thoracic branches, which approach the breast from the axilla(armpit)
    3. posterior intercostals artery via its lateral cutaneous branches. It is important to note that the  lower portion of the breast has a blood less window, through which surgical interventions can be safely carried out for cosmetic (plastics surgery), investigative (biopsies) and limited therapeutic (lumpectomies).
    4. Venous system

    Drainage is from the Venous plexus underneath the areola, thence to the axillary vein in the armpit and also down wards to the internal mammary vein behind, to the internal mammary vein behind the breast bone.There are extensive venous channels involving Para vertebral plexus through which cancer can reach the vertebral column and the brain.  Though not common, complete paralysis of both lower limbs( from waist down) can occur in advanced(eg stage 4) stages of breast cancer.

    Lymphatic drainage

    Primary route for the spread of cancer is through lymphatic vessels.

    They begin deep down from networks in the lobes and ducts through the corpus mammae (body of the breast)  and spread to the following areas:

    1. The Armpit (axilla) where they can be felt
    2. Behind breast bone so they cannot be felt (palpated), but through here they can ferry cancer cells to the lungs and cause difficulty in breathing
    3. Nipple Areola complex
    4. Area under the areola skin
    5. End portions of the milk ducts
    6. The Axillary lymph nodes receive fluid from all quadrants
    7. The medial quadrants drain to the region around the breast bone (para sternal) and sternal (breast bone) region piercing the Pectoralis Major muscle.
    8. More than 75% of total lymphatic drainage of the breast tissue is to the axillary (armpit) group of lymph nodes
    9. The nodes are also interconnected

    In clinical practice, the breast is divided into 4 quadrants (portions). Lymph channels from the part of the breast underneath the nipple and the adjacent colored portion(  sub areola plexus) spread across the midline to join those from the opposite breast. It can also flow upwards above the clavicle (collar bone), and also down ward over the costal margin (lower border of the rib cage) to the abdomen. In this way cancer of the breast can spread upwards and down below to reach the abdomen and the contained organs e.g. Liver.

  • Nigeria calls for more cancer awareness

    No fewer than 500 people were screened for cancer in Lagos by the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP) Nigeria.

    The event, which held at the Media Centre, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), had in attendance men, women, the elderly and the young as beneficiaries. They were enlightened about the disease.

    The Executive Secretary, CECP Nigeria, Dr. Abia Nzelu, who called on stakeholders to fund the acquisition of Mobile Cancer Centres (MCCs) to facilitate cancer prevention through screening and early treatment at the grassroots, said regular screening and early detection of cancer help to save lives.

    The programme, according to her, created awareness on the various types of cancers, which men and women are prone to.

    The executive secretary also urged women to be weary of breast cancer, adding: “Women should watch lump in breasts; change in breast size or shape; fluid other than breast milk from breasts; bloody nipple discharge and peeling or redness of breasts skin as symptoms of cancer and persistent pain in breasts.”

    She said women from 35 years, who have family history of breast cancer, should go for screening once a year while those without family history should start going for breast cancer screening at age 40. She encouraged them to engage in frequent self breast examination, adding that it is advisable they check it a week to their menstruation.

    Dr Abia advised that if lump is found in a woman’s breast a clinical breast examination should be conducted at an appropriate facility.

    Human papilloma virus (HPV), she said, is the major cause of cervical cancer. It also causes prostate cancer in men.

    She mentioned abnormal discharge; odour; pain; itching; irregular vagina discharge; tiredness and waist pain as symptoms of cervical cancer.

    Dr Abia said about 22 women die daily in Nigeria from cervical cancer, adding that it is the second most common cancer in Nigeria and the easiest to prevent.

    “It kills more in 24 to 35-year-old women in developing countries than any other cancer screened.

    Dr Abia mentioned gardasil as a cancer vaccine, which helps to cure 15 types of cancers in men and women.

    She advised women from 18 years to go for cervical screening once yearly, adding that it takes two years for cervical cancer to develop.

    Dr Abia said one in every four Nigerian male dies of prostate cancer.

    She identified weak flow of urine, feeling of empty bladder after urinating, bloody urine/ semen as some symptoms of prostate cancer.

    She advised men from age 40 go for prostate cancer screening once every year, noting that testicular cancer, which occurs more in younger men, and often leads to death.

    She identified swelling, pain, and lump in the scrotum as symptoms of testicular cancer, adding that examining the scrotum yearly is a preventive measure against testicular cancer.

    Dr Abia advised that abstaining from smoking; avoiding excessive alcohol intake; avoiding excessive sunlight; avoiding unsafe sex, unhealthy living are some golden rules to observe to prevent cancer.

    A trader, Mrs Peace Eboh, said she was informed about the free cancer screening and decided to  get tested.

    She said she noticed a lump in her left breast and decided to come for screening.

    Another beneficiary of the screening, Mrs Godwin Ikechukwu, said: “I advise Nigerians both men and women to come out for the free training and get screened, she went further to say that she was glad to come and brought her children along.”

    A trader, Mr Chijioke Mba, said: “I was informed about the training from a friend and I’m glad I came,” adding that he could not wait for the result to be out.”

  • Breast cancer: Clinical anatomy and breast self-examination

    Breast cancer: Clinical anatomy and breast self-examination

    The deaths in very recent past of prominent Nigerians, Professor K.D.K Koki, Dr. D. Fiberesima , Yinka Craig, Chief Gani Fawehimi and a host of others unreported, will have severed as a wake up call to experts and primary health care practitioners about the urgent need to look at cancer in Nigeria as a public health problem and no longer a diseases of the White race.

    No known curable drug for cancer has been discovered, and in resources limited countries like Nigeria, studies have shown that of all the several approaches towards healthcare, the most beneficial with regards to costs and benefits  is in the province of preventive health care.

    Surveys across the globe have shown that 7 to 10% of all cancer related deaths are attributable to factors  that  can be curtailed . These include

    –              Reproductive / sexual behaviors

    –              Diet and life style

    –              Environmental pollution

    –              Geographical features

    –              Genetic factors

    What follows hereunder contains materials suitable for the medical, academic, allied medical and other categories of people interested in or involved with the subject matter. The lay public can benefit  greatly by taking out what they can and then  seek clarifications where necessary.

    Amongst women, questions are being raised with regards to the changing patterns of cancer;  is cancer changing from the cervix to the breast? What trends are we seeing with respect to our environment and carcinogens. Do we now have a place for the old but rejected and disregarded BSE (Breast Self Examination)? How effective is Breast Self Examination in primary level care particularly amongst uneducated rural women compared to women in high socio-economic class in whom breast cancer is most common?

    In any case, the issues are worth considering;

    Cancer is Greek World for Crab, which arose, because of the need by Ancient Anatomist to define  a new growth, (neoplasia) that had gone beyond the confines of it’s tissues and developed the structures with which it can spread to distant sites,(usually un encapsulated). That scientific enquiry by Anatomist gave birth to the word cancer as it is known today.

    The smallest morphologically identifiable and functional unit of an organism is the cell. Cancer is said to have occurred when a group of cells arising from the same origin become selectively and abnormally favored in such a away that  the normal regulatory mechanism for  cellular growth, is lost, with the result that the cells  expand and invade neighboring tissues, neurovascular channels and then spread to distant sites.

    Breast cancer is now being referred to as the ultimate cancer in women, because the organ undergoes morphological (structural) changes throughout the life of a woman. According to SEER (Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results), the probability of a woman developing breast cancer increases throughout life  from birth to death.

    World wide 43,000 women out of reported cases die each year and on the average, 1000,000 women develop breast cancer each year. Studies in the US show an age adjusted rate of 27 per 100,000 deaths and Globally it has been estimated that 1 out of every 11 women will develop breast cancer in their life time.

    In Nigeria, breast cancer afflicts an estimated 12,000 women annually. About 5% of cases of pregnancy associated breast cancer have been seen and in most studies mortality is as high as 80  90% adding to the burden of care associated with perinatal and maternal morbidity.

     

    The Problem

    The form (morphology) function (physiology) and diseases (Pathology) of the human female breast are major concerns of  not only physicians, but families and  societies.

    The organ(breast) is located in an exposed part of the body, but sexual health is  taught sparingly in most Nigerian Schools, Cultural and religious barriers  forbid detailed conversations of the nature expected of that private part of the human body. In deed and in some parts of the Country and the world, only female medical practitioners are permitted to carry out detailed medical examination on women. More over, because signature symptoms and signs of breast cancer are subtle, emerge later or even absent from the onset, some affected women die without ever knowing what killed them. Breast cancer patients of the Nigerian African descent at the time of presentation, are on the average 10 to 15 years younger ,compared with women in the Western countries and it is in the younger age group that pregnancy associated breast cancer(PABC) though uncommon present with very challenging obstetric and gynecological situations.

    The whip lash of the economy cuts deepest into the underserved who live in abject poverty, have no access to radio and television and are too far away from primary health care facilities. How do we mainstream these vulnerable and under reported group? The answer is not far to fetch; we create awareness and encourage participatory health care delivery system, in the spirit of self realization because health education and health promotional activities yield better and sustainable results when you start from the known to the unknown.

    To ascertain health status of  the breast, detect and diagnose early abnormalities and treat or be treated. It is of paramount importance that, every woman(age not a serious barrier), first responders, paramedics, general practitioners, family Physicians and other specialists at various levels of the system understand the anatomy of both the glandular and connective tissue components of the breast, and of the inter relationship between these components..

    Research findings suggest that if there is increased awareness and improvement in the capacity of women to understand themselves and members of their families, to enable them cultivate risk avoidance  behavior and seek medical attention early enough, further substantial reduction in breast cancer and other cancer related death is achievable.  Awareness may not translate to knowledge all the time, but according to Ancient Chinese Public health practitioners,

    “When I hear about something I forget it”

    “When I see something,  I remember it,”

    “When  I do something,  I know it.”

    Indeed, physical examination of the breast by self, Sister, Aunt, Mom, is in fact a demonstration of its Anatomy, in a living subject. The same concepts apply as when a physician does breast examination in the consulting room.

     

    Clinical Anatomy

    The breast; nor Mamma is a modified skin appendage of appocrine sweat gland specialized for milk production. It is the major anatomic structure, by virtue of which modern humans as  Homosapiens are placed in the class Mammalia.

    Prepubertal male breast is nearly always the same as the female, and just like females males can develop cancer of the breast and die even faster from it’s complications. In the growing human, distinct anatomical differences develop soon after under the influence of gonadal (Ovarian) hormones. Indeed, the male breast can be made to enlarge and even produce breast milk, if the appropriate hormonal regulatory factors are supplied in controlled amounts.

     

    Embryology

    Development  of the breast begins by about the 4th week of intra uterine life, through the 8th  to the 12thweek . This falls within and a little  beyond the period of human embryogenesis .it is during  this period that  agents  which are capable of disrupting or aborting the  normal process or program of development are best avoided. By puberty, the human hypothalamohypophyseal gonadal axis becomes more active and releases it’s hold on Ovarian activities, leading to the growth and development of the female breast.

    At the appropriate time, pregnancy pumps estrogen and progesterone into the female circulation  reinforced by placental uterine , thyroid and adrenal hormones, all leading to enlargement of the glandular and connective tissue elements of the breast, changes which in most cases are only slightly but significantly reversible with cessation of lactation.

  • Nigeria can research into cancer

    Nigeria can research into cancer

    As the country marks it 55 Indepedence, it has joined the league of nations that can research into cancer.

    This is made possibe through a parnership between the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos and Sysmex Partec, a cancer research German Laboratory. The synergy has afforded the country a Biomedical training and Cancer Research centre equipped with XN-Series Haematology Analysers.

    According to the Director-General, NIMR, Prof Innocent Ujah at the inauguration, the centre and the equipment will enhance training capacity and mentorship.

    He descibed the centre as a strategic response to the gap, which must be filled to upscale the institute’s research capacity for quality health care.

    Ujah said institutional and human capacity development should take pre-eminence for the country to have quality research outcomes.

    “Besides, we are motivated to establish the centre to enhance training capacity and mentorship.”

    He assured of the institute’s commitment to making the centre functional by initiating programmes and studies on various cancers in collaboration with relevant national and international partners.

    Ujah appealed to the Federal Government, organisations and good spirited individuals to support the institution with sufficient fund.

    The chairman on the occasion, Prof Ibironke Akinsete, said cancer research is basic because it identifies the causes and develops strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.

    According to her, cancer research ranges from epidemology, molecular bio-sciences to the performance  of clinical trials to evaluate and compare applications of various cancer treatments.

    “These are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy and combination of treatment modalities, such as chemoradiotherapy.

    “From the 1990, the emphasis in clinical research shift towards therapies derived from bio-medical and biotechnology research, such  as cancer immunotherapy and gene therapy,” she said.

    Quoting the former Health Minister, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, she said no fewer than 250,000 Nigerians are diagnosed with cancer yearly, adding: “Cancer care facilities are depreciating”.

    For her, cancer research in Nigeria and Africa will now have a pivotal role in cancer control in the continent.

    Akinsete continued: “However, environments, such as those in academic or clinical settings with limited research infrastructure, especially laboratories, bio repositories and database, coupled with inadequate funding and other human expertise, have hampered Nigerian and African scientists from carrying out rigorous evidence-based research.”.

    She praised NIMR for its success, adding that the centre will pave the way for building capacity, which would enhance sustainable research programmes in the country for cancer.

    “I hope this project stimulates more interest in cancer research in Nigeria,” Prof Akinsete said.

  • Free cancer screening for women

    Free cancer screening for women

    Oyo-East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Dr. Ohize Stephen Ogirima has organised community sensitisation, free screening and treatment for women in the area.

    He also organised capacity building training for local government health workers on early detection and treatment of the ailment.

    Another issue that he feels concerned about is that there is little or no awareness on the part of women on the need to go for regular screening for early detection of the disease. They, most often, wait for symptoms of the disease to manifest before seeing a doctor.

    Dr. Ogirima, with NYSC batch number OY/14C/1776, said he is determined to save women from the dreaded terminal disease.

    •Medical personnel attending to a woman
    •Medical personnel attending to a woman

    Under the community development project known as NYSC Vanguard, Dr. Ogirima, with the support of some of his colleagues, started a sensitisation programme for residents in the four local government areas; namelyAfijio, Atiba, Oyo-East and Oyo-West that make up Oyo metropolis.

    Thereafter, he established two screening centres at the Primary Health Centre, Araromi and the Ajayi Crowther University, both in Oyo town.

    At the centres, about 500 women benefitted from the three-day free cervical cancer screening outreach.  Medical experts from the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) and the Gynaecology and Oncology units of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Osun State were part of the team.

    The State Hospital and the Ajayi Crowther University had agreed to work with the PPFN to ensure continuity. They also accepted to adopt the revolving fund scheme system for the low-cost cervical cancer screening units to be established. There was also an agreement on training of seven health workers from some of the health facilities in the ancient town.

    While each of the two institutions has provided two members of staff for training on visual inspection methods and preparation of a Pap Smear Slide, the Oyo-East Local Government Area has given approval for the use of the Primary Health Centre at Araromi for outreach and staff training programme.

    In a chat with Southwest Report, Dr. Ogirima revealed that some of the symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding that occurs between

    regular menstrual periods, bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching as well as heavier-than-usual menstrual periods that last longer.

    Others, according to him, include bleeding after menopause, increased vaginal discharge, pelvic pain and pain during sexual intercourse.

    “Cervical screening is a way of diagnosing the disease at an early pre-cancerous stage and preventing the ailment from developing.

    The essence of screening tests is to identify pre-cancerous changes in the cells of the cervix that could develop into cancer.

    “The tests can also diagnose the disease by identifying cancer cells that are already present. If the abnormal tissue or cells can be removed, then the disease can be prevented from progressing further into cancer.

    “With successful screening of cervical cancer in the past several decades, the number of women diagnosed each year of the disease is declining,” he said.

    Dr Ogirima further explained that while organised and quality-assured cytology-based screening programmes have substantially reduced incidence of cervical cancer in many developed countries, successfully organised population-based cancer screening programmes are yet to be implemented in developing countries, including Nigeria. This, he said, is despite having the greater burden of the terminal disease.

    On why cases of cervical cancer are on the increase, he noted that limited human and financial resources, competing health needs, poorly developed health care services, uninformed and disempowered female population, widespread poverty and the cumbersome nature of the prevailing cytology-based screening programmes are some of the reasons why the ailment is prevalent.

    Proffering solutions to the problem, Dr. Ogirima advocated a realistic approach to screening of the ailment in line with the recommendation of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

    He said: “Dealing with bureaucratic bottlenecks, supply of quality-assured consumables, non-availability of call and recall system as well as poor statistics on screening coverage will reduce the prevalence of the disease.

    “With appropriate planning and implementation, an organised and quality-assured screening service is possible even in a low-resource setting.”

    Continuing, he said cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer of the female reproductive system.

    It is a disease in which cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus and the adjoining vagina become cancerous or malignant.

    It is usually a slow-growing kind of cancer that may not present initial symptoms, but can be detected with regular screening by Pap tests (a procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix and viewed under a microscope) and detection of Human Papillioma Virus (HPV).

    Most cervical cancers are linked to infection by HPV. Approximately 80 per cent of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which arise from cells in the exocervix (the outer portion of cervix), while about 15 per cent are adenocarcinomas, which arise from a different type of cell in the endocervix (the inner portion of cervix).

     

  • Breast cancer

    Breast cancer is a kind of tumor that threatens a woman’s life. But in order to understand the full meaning of the term cancer, we must explore the uses of the word tumor.

    A tumor is an abnormal enlargement of some part of the body. It is a mass of tissue composed of unusual cells that have multiplied more than they should; that are not part of the body’s normal design, and that serve no useful purpose.

    The breast is the most common site of cancer in women. It is very common for some women to find swellings in the breast which could start as a small lump in one breast usually without pains initially, but later the swellings could progress with enlargements, unbearable pains and pepperish sensations.

    Breast cancer is devastating in nature because it tends to spread early in the course of the disease, to distant parts of the body. When the cancer is detected early, before colonies of cancer cells have migrated to other parts of the body, the natural intervention is quite successful. The use of chemicals (chemotherapy) has not proven helpful in the primary treatment of cancer of the breast proper; thus necessitating surgical removal of the breast and possibly some of the tissues in the chest wall and the armpit, in the conventional medical practice.

    In some cases, there could be resurgence of the cancer in the second breast, in which case, the patient may need to undergo another surgical operation like the first one, to get the other breast removed. There could be attacks on some internal organs like the heart, lung, kidneys, bones, etc., and very commonly, the patients suffer severe lower back pains, general weakness, giddiness, pepperish sensations and swellings (oedema) all over the body. In extreme cases, the affected breasts may develop gangrenous open sores, which discharge fluids and pus with offensive odours.

    Prevention and Control: Women are becoming aware of the possible tragic outcome of a “lump in the breast”. By reporting this finding at once to her physician, a woman can receive the benefits of early treatment. Not all lumps in the breast are cancerous. So, it is necessary to differentiate between a benign tumor (which is relatively harmless) and a malignant one (which is deadly).

    In an older woman, past the menopause, any discharge from the nipple, especially if bloody in nature, is a serious omen and should be reported promptly. It may be the first indication of a beginning cancer.

    The holistic natural remedy being suggested for Breast Cancer is a combination of natural extracts of herbs such as Ekebergia senegalensis.

    Lycopersicum esculentum, Olax subscorpioidea and Vernonia amygdalina.

     

    For further information and consultation on Holistic Lifecare research and services, especially on Blood Infections, Infertility, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Chronic Debilitating Conditions as well as mental and social problems, please call  on: 0803-330-3897 or visit: Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare Centre, Adeyalo Layout, Ogbere-Tioya, Off Olorunsogo Express Bridge, Ibadan. Website: www.holisticlifecare.com. Distance is no barrier, we can send remedies by courier if need be.

  • Carter: At ease and ready for radiation treatment on cancer

    Carter: At ease and ready for radiation treatment on cancer

    He had lost one-tenth of his liver to a surgery he underwent on August 3 to remove a tumor. But, that was not all for 90-year-old Jimmy Carter, United States (U.S.) 39th President. The former President had the first radiation treatment yesterday to deal with four spots of melanoma that were found on his brain.  Carter is, however, prepared for the worst. He told a news conference yesterday that he is “at ease with whatever comes”. 

    Former United States (U.S.) President Jimmy Carter announced yesterday that his cancer showed up in four small spots on his brain and he will immediately begin radiation treatment, saying he is “at ease with whatever comes.”

    “I’m ready for anything and looking forward to a new adventure,” said Carter, appearing upbeat and making jokes as he openly talked about his cancer at a news conference.

    So far, the pain has been “very slight” and Carter said he hasn’t felt any weakness or debility. Still, he will dramatically cut back on his work with the Carter Center and will give the treatment regimen his “top priority.”

    His first radiation treatment was set for Thursday (yesterday) afternoon.

    Carter, in a dark blazer, red tie and jeans and surrounded by friends and family, said at first he thought the cancer was confined to his liver. He thought an operation on August 3 had completely removed it, “so, I was quite relieved.”

    But that same afternoon, an MRI showed it was on his brain.

    “I just thought I had a few weeks left, but I was surprisingly at ease. I’ve had a wonderful life,” the 90-year-old Carter said. “It’s in God’s hands. I’ll be prepared for anything that comes.”

    He didn’t give any prognosis, but spoke about receiving three months of treatments and cast doubt on the possibility of traveling to Nepal in November to build houses for Habitat for Humanity, a Georgia-based organisation he has worked with for decades. He said other family members may have to represent him there.

    A small cancerous mass was removed August 3 along with about a 10th of his liver and doctors believe they got rid of all the cancer there, Carter said.

    It’s still not clear exactly where the cancer originated, although with melanoma, he’s told that 98 per cent of the time it develops first in the skin. He also said that the rest of his body will be scanned repeatedly for months to come and that more cancers may show up elsewhere. The cancer spots on his brain are about two millimetres in size.

    His father, brother and two sisters died of pancreatic cancer. His mother also had the disease. Carter, who had been tested for pancreatic cancer, said no cancer has been found there so far.

    What the former president has, he said, is melanoma, and experts say his lifelong activities may have increased his risk for skin cancer.

    He lives in the South, is fair-skinned and freckled, and through Habitat for Humanity and travel, has  spent a lot of time outdoors, noted Dr. Anna Pavlick, co-director of the melanoma programme at NYU’s Laura & Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center.

    Carter said the radiation will focus on the tumors in his brain and he has already begun receiving a drug to boost his immune system.

    Dr. Patrick Hwu, a melanoma expert at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, said the key immune system cells needed to attack the tumor can get into the brain, so the treatment gives Carter a fighting chance.

    “Every patient is going to be different,” he said.

    President George W. Bush and Bush’s father called him on Wednesday, Carter said, and he has received well-wishes from President Barack Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton and Secretary of State John Kerry.

    “It was the first time they’ve called me in a long time,” Carter said to laughter.

    Carter’s health has been closely watched this year. He cut short an election monitoring trip to Guyana in May. A spokeswoman said he did not feel well and Carter later said he had a bad cold.

    Carter was U.S.’ 39th President, advancing as a virtual unknown on the national stage to defeat President Gerald Ford in 1976. But several foreign policy crises, in particular the Iran hostage crisis, crushed his bid for re-election and Ronald Reagan swept into the White House.

    He said yesterday that he still regretted not being able to rescue the hostages.

    The native of tiny Plains, Georgia, rebuilt his career as a humanitarian guiding the center focused on global issues. Carter earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, helped defuse nuclear tensions in the Koreas and helped avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti.

    He and his wife, Rosalynn, still make regular appearances at events in Atlanta and travel overseas. When the couple is in Plains, Carter frequently teaches a Sunday School Class before services at Maranatha Baptist Church. He plans to teach this weekend as scheduled.

    “No matter where we are in the world, we’re always looking forward to getting home to Plains,” Carter said.

    He and his wife have thought for many years about cutting back their work at the Carter Center, which he established in 1982 to promote health care and democracy.

    “We thought about this when I was 80. We thought about it again when I was 85; we thought about it again when I was 90. So, this is a propitious time I think for us to carry out our long-delayed plans.”

     

    What counsellors say

    Genetic counselors say one thing is for sure: Many families are cursed with cancer and it can be absolutely terrifying.

    “Many of them think it’s not a matter of if they get cancer, but when,” said Joy Larsen Haidle, President of the National Society of Genetic Counsellors.

    But just because family members had cancer doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get cancer. There are many variables: Who in your family has had cancer — close or distant relatives? Were they from one side of the family or both? Did they get cancer at a young age, when cancer is rare, or at an older age, when cancer is more common?

    If you’ve noticed cases of cancer in your family, the first thing to do is speak with a genetic counselor. Certain family history patterns signal there might be a bad gene in the family, while other patterns might point to a fluke.

    If it does turn out you have a serious family history of cancer, the next step is to decide whether you want to go searching for a bad gene. In some cases, as with breast cancer, knowing you have a bad gene can help you make decisions, such as whether to have a mastectomy before cancer strikes. Other times, knowing won’t help you; it may not be worth looking for it.

    Whatever you do, Otis Brawley, the Chief Medical Officer at the American Cancer Society, has one piece of advice: Talk to a genetic counselor before you go searching for bad genes, even if it costs a few hundred dollars. Genetics is a tricky, complicated business, and doctors typically don’t know all the ins and outs.

    According to the American Cancer Society, only about 5 per cent to 10 per cent of all cancers result directly from inherited bad genes.

    “I’ve seen many people waste thousands of dollars,”Brawley said, and some who’ve been given inappropriate testing.

  • Some eminent Nigerians who lost their cancer battles

    Some eminent Nigerians who lost their cancer battles

    Going by the prediction of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the World Cancer Day on February 4, 2013 about 84 million people may die of the disease by this year.

    The National Cancer Prevention Programme (NCPP) said that no fewer than 80,000 Nigerians die from various forms of cancer annually, with an estimated 10 people dying from cancer every hour.

    Some prominent Nigerians who have died of the non-communicable disease include politicians, celebrities and others.

    Former President, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua fell victim of the disease in May 2010 after years of battling that kept him away from his constitutional duties as first governor of Kastina State and then President.

    Second Republic Senate Leader, Dr. Olusola Saraki, also died of cancer as confirmed by his youngest son, Olaolu, who admitted that the political giant of Kwara politics “had been battling with cancer for about five years” before he breath his last on November 14, 2012.

    Maryam Babangida, wife of former military President Ibrahim Babangida also had her life cut short by the dreaded disease on December 27, 2009. She had to leave behind her pet project – Better Life Programme for Rural Women – which launched many co-operatives, cottage industries, farms and gardens, shops and markets, women’s centres and social welfare programmes.

    The doggedness with which renowned activist and social crusader, Chief Gani Fawehinmi fought successive and oppressive military dictators was not enough to survive the monster called cancer.

    He lost the battle to lung cancer  on September 5, 2009.

    For two years, ace broadcaster, Yinka Craig, who made his name with Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) battled to stay alive until September 23, 2008 when he died at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States (U.S.). He received treatment for cancer of the immune system.

    Yusuf Jibo, former Zonal Director of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), also died of colon cancer on December, 2010.

    For Sonny Okosun, one of Nigeria’s great musicians, the music stopped playing when he died on May 24, 2008 at 61 in the U.S. after a prolonged battle with cancer. He had gone to seek medical advice on his deteriorating health.

    Clara, the wife of labour leader turned governor, Adam Oshiomole was also said to have died of cancer on December 8, 2010, eleven days to her daughter’s wedding.

     

    This story was first published in The Nation of February 14, 2013.

  • ‘There’re bizarre causes of cancer’

    ‘There’re bizarre causes of cancer’

    The Head of Department (HOD) of Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy, Radiodiagnosis and Radiography, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Prof Remi Ajekigbe, discusses cancer with Health Reporter OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA.

    Many Nigerian women with breast cancer often delay going for treatment early because they believe they are ‘attacked’, and conclude that it is a spiritual matter. Could this assumption be true, and are they justified?

    According to a Radiologist and Oncologist Prof Remi Ajekigbe they are actually right, but whether  their postulation is right or not, they should always come to the hospital to get the lump examined, and treated, if confirmed cancerous.

    Explaining some of the creepy causes of cancer, the professor with over four decades of treating cancer said there are numerous unorthodox causes of cancer. He said one of the unorthodox ways which cannot be proved is encountered by patients. “It is called ofa in Yoruba language while in English I call it evil arrow.”

    Why does he tow this line of thought? Prof Ajekigbe explained that when he was having his interview to become an associate professor, the then Vice Chancellor (VC) asked him  the cause of cancer in a rhetorical question: “Is it not evil arrow that is causing cancer?” He answered:  “All the books we read are written by white men and all the cancer patients shown in the books are whites. Evil arrow was not mentioned in any of the books but our people here do mention it; but sir that cannot be proved.”

    Prof Ajekigbe recalled, “The V. C looked at me in the face, pointed a finger at me and said it cannot be written off either.”

    He further said:“The then deputy VC in Academic and Research   (name withheld) then shared her experience with me.  She  said  she attended a party and while she was discussing with somebody there, someone else was coming to say ‘hello’ to her but she did not know the fellow had evil intention. But the fellow she was discussing with was also very high in spirit, they  both looked at each other in the face and the oncoming woman went back. Then she told the deputy VC that if that woman had come in,  the deputy VC would have had cancer of the breast. I just told them that I did not know.  People say it and they still say it up till tomorrow but that is one of the unorthodox ways of having cancer.”

    On his personal view, Prof  Ajekigbe said honestly, he did not know how to test that in the laboratory and, “those who say they know have never come to enlighten us because they say they see what  we cannot see. It is more of metaphysics than science.”

    And what does he suggest Nigerians do immediately they notice any unusual lump on the body? Prof Ajekigbe said any lump, thickening or unusual growth in any part of the body- tongue, breast or any part at all should be reported to the doctor. Any natural orifice discovered in the body should be reported to the doctor. An orifice is a bleeding in any part of the body. If there is a change in your voice or absence of the voice, go to your doctor, it could be cancer of the larynx. If you notice any unusual thing in your body, go to your doctor.  “Because cancer does not respect anybody and it can come at any age. Even children do have cancer. The best way to manage cancer is to detect it early,” he explained.

    He said this is based on his experience, because should the patient present it early, the chances of healing the cancer is very high.

    Prof Ajekigbe who is the Head of Department (HOD) of Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy, Radiodiagnosis and Radiography, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) said 75 percent or more of, “Our patients present their cases late and this is why we appeal to all our other ‘doctors’ either in the church, mosque or native doctors that emphasise  that they can cure. We medics are not telling them not to pray for their clients but that they come to the hospital first, later the clerics can pray for them.”

    He clarified some assumptions on telecommunication masts as the cause of cancer. According to him, there is something called ionising and non- ionising radiation.

    “And the Bible made mention of cancer indirectly. It talked about a woman with the issue of blood. It could either be cancer of the cervix or cancer of the endometrium.

    “Jesus Christ ordered the bleeding to stop and it did. At that particular time, the words of Jesus Christ were radioactive. It would deliver what we call haemostatic dose of ionising radiation to the bleeding tumour. People around would not see it because radiation can neither be seen nor smelt. Do not forget that the Bible said there is power in the word, so the power in the word of Jesus Christ at that particular time is the power of ionising radiation. This is a scientific explanation for masts as suspects in cancer formation,” he explained.

    Throwing more light, Ajekigbe said the mast is also radioactive but it is non-ionizing radiation.Non-ionizing radiation is not as dangerous as ionizing radiation. Telephone and microwave are non- ionizing radiation. “When you put your phone in your ear and you are listening to the caller, molecules are vibrating in your head. The molecules vibrating in the head can cause many things because of the radiation effect. It may not cause cancer fast as ionizing radiation but it may also lead to it in the nearest future. We pay a price for everything in science and nature; old people would not be as pretty, fast, strong and energetic as before. Even the make-up women use they would pay a price for it when they get old,”

    He advised that women should be very careful with cosmetic products because they all have expiry dates. Once expired, they should be disposed off. “Some of these things we rub on our body are Carcinogens. We pay price for being civilised even with the food we eat. We do not eat direct foods from the farm again. Modern foods contain so many addictives, though additives make the food sweeter but we pay price for it. This is why cancer cannot go. They talk about aniline dye in garment industries; these are colours and chemicals that cause cancer.

    On the viability of local concoctions for the treatment of cancer, Ajekigbe said: “Before I studied Medicine, I studied Pharmacy and I was a pharmacist before I went to medical school. In the study of Pharmacy, there is a study called Pharmacognosy which is the study of medicinal plants. Even in the drugs of white men they use seed, back, roots, leaves and flowers of trees. The only difference is when and how the whites want to use it. Till date, we boil so many things and we drink. But in developed places the active ingredients are made into tablets. The scientists, doctors and pharmacologists are all researching on how to do this.

    “We are not saying the native drugs are absolute nonsense. They work. To me, our brothers and sisters in native drugs are not cooperating as they should. When you go to them for something, they demand money, for a research you want to do. They do not understand that you do not get money for research; the money collected must be accounted for. It is not to make you rich or buy vehicle for you, it is to make you work. After the work, you are going to publish the result in journal. It is in the journal that we can acknowledge the contribution of the ‘babalawo’. The traditional practitioners see it as a means of money making.”

    He added: “For instance, there is a traditional aphrodisiac. The Hausa man call it ‘burantashi’, it is for the male organ to be strong. When you ask a Hausa man on how to get the ingredients that you want to conduct a research he would just smile. He would not want to disclose the ingredients. There is nobody who would use your idea and not acknowledge your contribution. The only thing we medics do not know how to go about is the incantations.”