The Nation Newspaper

Tag: cancer

  • 50-year-old widow needs N5m to battle cancer

    50-year-old widow needs N5m to battle cancer

    Adebayo Oladunmoye, a council worker currently battling a protracted cancer ailment needs N5 million to effect treatment.

    Pale-looking Mrs. Adebayo Oladunmoye was a pitiable sight penultimate Friday. It was few minutes after her arrival from India on an aborted medical trip. She had to cut short the trip because she couldn’t raise the required amount to undergo a cancer treatment.

    The once bubbling woman had shrunk from 68kg to 49kg. She had to be aided to sit, and looked every inch in pain. “All I need is the help of Nigerians and God,” she managed to say after much effort.

    The 50-year-old widow’s troubles began in March 2014. The native of Fiditi in Afijio Local Government in Oyo was diagnosed with obstructed jaundice at Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, Oyo State. A referral to India therefore became imperative. At Global Hospital Chennai, India, various tests showed she was suffering from cancer of the pancreas.

    The community development worker, who had been diabetic for 30 years, underwent surgeries. That was in August 2014. She was placed on radiotherapy after the surgeries. At the last count, she had gone through 24 cycles of radiotherapy.  She also went through four cycles of chemotherapy.

    The extensive medical treatment gulped a whooping N5.6m raised from amongst relations and a philanthropist.  She was discharged in October and returned on 2nd of November 2014. The medical team asked her to return for review of the case in March 2015, but all efforts to raise the required N5m have proven abortive.

    To worsen matters, she started experiencing severe stomach aches, which have further aggravated her condition. Though she managed to return to India, Oladunmoye could not be treated because she didn’t have the required amount. In the last six weeks, the staff of Oyo East Local Government Council has been unable to eat anything.

    “She cannot eat. Anything she takes is vomited,” Tijesunimi Oladunmoye, her last child, said. The 24-year-old, who is on National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra State, said watching her emanciate has been heart-wrenching. ‘She used to be lively and bubbly until this came up. It’s such a painful thing to see how her condition is deteriorating.”

    At the moment, Oladunmoye lives only on liquids such as tea or coke.

    “Everything else that I try to eat gets thrown out,” she stated. A medical report obtained from Global Health Hospital confirms that she needs N5million to undergo another round of chemotherapy and an immunity-building mechanism in her body.

    She appealed to public-spirited Nigerians to come to her aid. “I believe in miracles,” she stated. “I know God has a purpose for my life. Therefore, I will ask Nigerians to help me out. I will appreciate whatever anyone can render to make me regain my health,” the widow stressed.

    Well-meaning Nigerians who wish to help out should make their donations to ADEBAYO, OLADUNMOYE OLAYEMI

    GTBANK Account No: 00050722328

  • Patients can overcome cancer, says expert

    A Surgical oncologist at Apollo Hospitals, India, Dr Ajit Pai, has recommended surgeries for cancer treatment, especially those in the throat, pancreas, and liver.

    According to him, surgeries can be performed on patients to remove cancerous growths in some organs because they are amenable to surgical treatment.

    He spoke at a workshop for surgeons in Lagos.

    Those amenable to surgeries, he said, are called solid organ cancers. “They are distinct from those involving the blood or bone marrow elements (leukemias or blood cancer) or lymphatic glands (lymphomas),” he said.

    He listed solid organ cancers as those involving the mouth, throat, voice box, intestinal system, liver and pancreas, genitourinary organs, breast, brain and bones.

    Pai said surgical intervention is necessary in most cancers to obtain a diagnosis or to cure the patient.

    He said surgical medicine is a field that is continuously evolving. “Some of the latest advances, which we have incorporated into practice, are organ preservative, minimally invasive and robotic surgeries.

    He said: “In the past, cancer surgery was mutilating and associated with functional and cosmetic defects. Modern cancer treatment uses radiation and chemotherapy to shrink tumors, so that a less mutilating but equally effective operation can be performed. For instance, in rectal cancers, almost half the patients would normally require complete removal of the rectum, with a permanent bag to drain intestinal contents (colostomy). Now, we are able to shrink tumors with radiation, such that the majority of patients are able to have a normal intestinal passage without need for a bag.

    “Breast cancer is another tumor wherein the majority of women do not need complete removal of the breast. Chemotherapy can be used to shrink the tumor followed by removal of the lump and the nodes in the armpit, preserving the form and function of the breast. This is especially important as we see more women with cancers at a young age.”

    Pai said cancer surgery was always open with large incisions, adding that this has changed with the invention of minimal invasive surgery.

    “Numerous studies have shown that ‘keyhole’ surgery, using laparoscopic techniques, is equally effective. It has similar cure rates, is less painful and has a quicker return to normal activities than open surgery. There is minimally invasive surgery for cancers of the foodpipe (esophagus), stomach, pancreas, large intestine (colon) and rectum, and for gynaecologic cancers involving the uterus and cervix,” he said.

    The latest technology for cancer surgery, he said, is robotic surgery.

  • Succour for cancer, HIV patients, others as Fed Govt introduces pain relieving drug

    CANCER, HIV patients and others can now heave a sigh of relief. The Federal Government said it has introduced a pain-relieving drug for the killer-diseases. The pill is called morphine.

    The drug, which had been in use in very low quantity in health facilities in the country will now be supplied by the Federal Government and the American Cancer Society (ACS) in the next one year.

    The programme is being implemented under the auspices of Pain-Free Hospital Initiative.

    Managing Director of Global Cancer Treatment Dr. Megan O’Brien who spoke on behalf of ACS, during the unveiling of morphine yesterday evening in Abuja, said the drug will reduce the scarcity of pain relievers.

    Her words: “In the past, opioid pain relievers were not widely used in Nigeria, and as a result, hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have suffered unnecessarily. Their unrelieved pain affected not only themselves. Their suffering traumatised their families, their communities, and the health workers who took care of them.”

    According to her, that experience in more developed countries had shown that pain relievers, like morphine, could be used in conjunction with simple treatment algorithms developed by the World Health Organisation to effectively treat 80-90 per cent of people with moderate or severe pain.

    “These medicines are plentiful, inexpensive, safe, and easy to use. They are considered essential medicines by WHO and are on the essential medicines list here in Nigeria”, O’Brien stressed.

    The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mr. Linus Awute, said the introduction of morphine was aimed at avoiding deaths associated with acute pain from certain ailments and would equip health workers to assess pain and provide high-quality first-line treatment.

    Four hospitals: University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin; University College Hospital, Ibadan; University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu; and National Hospital, Abuja, were selected and presented with a large box filled with the drug.

    Awute said the hospitals were chosen “based on utilization of Oral Morphine Solution in pain treatment”.

    He said: “Pain relief is a core component of cancer and HIV treatment. It is estimated that approximately 80 per cent of people with advanced cancer and 50 per cent of HIV require narcotic medicines to treat moderate or severe pain.

    “In 2012, about 177,000 people were estimated to have died in moderate or severe pain from HIV or cancer. In the same year, the utilization of narcotic medicines such as morphine was enough to treat only 266 people, representing mere 0.2 per cent coverage of pain treatment need.”

  • Re: Cancer patients suffer as drugs trapped in tariff row

    SIR: We wish to refer to the above article published in your widely-read newspaper on Tuesday, May 19, which was addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari.

    It is our pleasure to inform you that the article has resulted in significant positive results. We now get our radiopharmaceuticals in time as they are now cleared promptly from the airport.

    Please, accept our sincere thanks for that prompt and timely publication.

    We also wish to use this medium to express our gratitude to our President who has shown compassion to our cancer patients who are all Nigeria citizens.

    Please, accept our esteemed regards while wishing you all success in your future endeavours.

     

    • Prof. Bola Osifo,

    Nuclear Medicine Centre

    University College Hospital

    Ibadan.

  • Society advises against cancer

    Mycotoxicology Society of Nigeria (MSN) has warned Nigerians to abstain from any food substances that contain mycotoxins.

    MSN said the diseases that can be contracted through mycotoxins induced foods includes cancer of the liver, kidney, breast and lungs.

    The President of MSN, Dr Anthony Negedu, spoke at the society’s 10th Annual Conference and Workshop, with the theme:” Mycotoxin Control in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa: The journey so far”, held at IITA, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    On the causes of mycotoxins,  the MSN President  noted that they are chemical substances that are naturally produced by fungi which are micro-organism that do not produce their own foods, adding that they depend on other organisms that are dead or alive. According to him, this society is a collection of scientist in knowledge centres, industries, and other food value chain firms and we started awareness creation about mycotoxins  because of the negative impact that it has on Nigeria industry, agriculture, food, health, nutrition and the economy.

    Negedu, who also doubles as the Deputy Director of Raw Materials Research and Development Council, said:” Also, economically,Mycotoxins  limits Nigeria trade abroad. We try to produce and possibly export the excess to the lucrative market in the European market but they are rejecting our commodities s a result of the mycotoxins.

    “Recently there was rejection of Nigeria commodities at the international market as a result of some chemical and biological contamination that are present at Nigeria commodities. It affects livestock business, human health anad even the lifespan of human beings.  Also, domestically, Nigerians are consuming this mycotoxins without knowing it’s impact due to ignorance. So we felt that there is need to organise a forum to sensitise people about it. “

    On how it can be prevented, he said:” The best prevention is education for the prevention of infestation by the moles. We need to continue educating the value chain actors, the farmers, handlers, the food vendors, the marketers, and the food ban keepers at all levels. They need to be educated on preventing their commodities from geting moist. They should not be storing commodities where there is leakage of water so that they will not make the environment conducive for the moist producing the mycotoxins.

    He said MSN is having grassroot awareness creation across the country, adding that the society has organised this conference with a view to awareness with the hazards associated with mycotoxins.

    “We are also carrying out researches to see the extent of damage that mycotoxins has inflicted on agriculture, human and animal health across the country. As they grow depending on this organisms they produce this toxic chemical substances into the foods that we produce. The substances they produce do not have colour, taste or smell but the moles that produce them can be identified through their colour or appearance. So it is important that we create awareness because prevention is cheaper and safer.” he said

    In order to create an effective awareness at the grassroot on mycotoxins, Negedu called on stakeholders, policy makers and lawmakers at all levels to support the society.

  • ‘You can prevent cancer’

    ‘You can prevent cancer’

    A naturopath, Dr. Jamine Bowring, who has special interest in the mind/body connection and its relationship to diseases, has formulated some whole food vitamins. She answers the first question. Darlington Okafor, a natural medicine practitioner and Executive Director of Programmes, Green Centre for Alternative Medicine Practitioners (GCAMP), takes the second.

    By following all these steps, we can stop Cancer in its tracks. I know this is controversial, but it’s my opinion based on my life, and experience. Take charge of your health and you take charge of your life.

    The Vita Life is my creation, part of my quest to live a totally healthy balanced life.  It is available in Nigeria and the Director- General of National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii was at the launch of the products in Lagos. I was motivated to help others find the way to Optimum Health after my mother lost her battle to cancer. She was only 50 years old when she died, I was 19.   As a result of living through that difficult experience, I strongly believe you have to take control of your health, staying on top of it before disease sets in. Healthy eating, relaxation techniques to alleviate stress, all these are the foundations of the Vita Life.  I have found the Vita Life myself and my mission is to guide others to live a healthy, happy life. It’s all natural and easy. I searched high and low for healthy natural supplements and when the ones on the market were full of fillers and chemicals, I created my own line, Vita Tree. I formulated these to optimise your health. I am a firm believer that it’s never too late or too early to begin to live a healthy life and avoid disease. You don’t want to wait until you obtain a diagnosis to take care of yourself and your health. Cancer is a frightening diagnosis and I’m often asked what steps you can take to prevent it. Having a family history doesn’t have to mean you’ll get the disease yourself. I myself have the same genetic history, my mother died of cancer. I strongly believe that you can prevent it. And this is how:

    •Diet: The key is whole foods, nothing processed. Take lots of vegetables and fruits, preferably raw.  Avoid sugar and white flour. Eat lean protein. Drink plenty of water. The basics, that’s all.

    •Supplements: The right whole food supplements can complement your diet and provide you with all the nutrition you need. I created VitaTree Supplements when I couldn’t find a company that was actually totally whole foods only I can guarantee that our supplements are filler-free and only contain whole foods. Our VitaFruits and VitaVeggies have produce that is picked at their peak of freshness then freeze-dried so they maintain all their essential nutrients. Between the two, you get seven servings of essential fruits and vegetables daily, which will enhance your regular diet.

    Omega-3’s are essential, Vita Fish Oil is a great source of the DHA and EPA to help reduce inflammation which can itself lead to disease. The right strain of Probiotics is important; my VitaTree Probiotics are specifically designed for human consumption. Detoxifying on a regular basis keeps your body free of toxins: Vita Detox is gentle enough to use daily. It’s been proven that synthetic vitamins themselves can cause cancer. I personally guarantee that our VitaTree Products are without any fillers or chemicals; they are third-party tested to ensure that no heavy metals, bacteria, etc. are in them. These are true whole food supplements that will enhance your health. When properly nourished, your cells become alive and you feel a vitality that is a sign of great health.

    •Sleep: your body needs adequate amounts of deep, restful sleep every night to allow the cells to regenerate. It’s more important than most people realise. If you’re having troubles getting that restful sleep and don’t want to try addictive sleeping pills, try my Stress and Sleep, the natural sleep supplement.

    •Be happy: a positive attitude, living every day with joy, this can make all the difference to your health. Being sour and glum can take a toll on your health, it takes fewer face muscles to smile than to frown, so smile and be happy.

    By following all these steps, we can stop cancer in its tracks. I know this is controversial, but it’s my opinion and based on my life and experience. Take charge of your health and you take charge of your life.

  • Girl, 2, needs N1m for cancer surgery

    Girl, 2, needs N1m for cancer surgery

    Little two-year-old Kehinde Adebiyi should be running around the house like her peers, particularly her twin brother, Taiye. But she cannot because she is in pains, a situation that has kept her indoors.

    Her parents are indigent- the father, Matthew Adebiyi, is a Furniture maker, and the mother, Bidemi, is a petty trader. Kehinde has a tumour in her right ear and needs  about N1 million for surgery at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, Mushin,Lagos.

    According to her mother, Kehinde’s problem started in December, 2013, about two weeks after her birth, when she noticed what looked loke a mosquito bite on her right ear.  Thinking that it was a boil, the family, which now lives in a room at 26, Abati Street, Cole Bus-stop, Ikotun Egbe in Lagos, took her to the General Hospital at Ibafo in Ogun State. She got no succour there.

    Following the family’s relocation to Ikotun-Egbe, Kehinde was taken to LUTH where the growth was diagnosed to be a Cancerous tumour by a physician in the Burns and Plastic section.

    To save her daughter, the mother said she took to begging at bus stops to raise money for the surgery. She said they were able to raise N700,000 for the surgery which was done on December 29, 2013.

    But a year later, she said, the growth returned. She rushed back to LUTH and was told that the case has gone beyond medication. The family was told Kehinde must undergo a fresh surgery to save her.

    Kehinde’s parents can be reached on 0817-762-6057; donations can be sent to Access Bank with account number 0043558184 in favour of Mr Adebiyi Adebayo Matthew.

  • Our cancer story, by survivors

    Our cancer story, by survivors

    They defied all odds to survive cancer, thanks to a non-governmental organisation (NGO),  Sebeccly Cancer Care, run by an Oncologist Dr Omolola Salako. The survivors share their stories with OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA

    When,  some years ago, Vivienne Okosa, a trader, noticed some changes in her breast, she immediately informed her family matron. She was told  that it was abu anu in Igbo language. The matron said it was, “normal for women”, claiming that she recently treated a woman with a similar  disease. “The matron said with some injections and tablets, I would be relieved. What I noticed was that  before  giving me the tablet, she would remove it from the original pack and put it in a tablet pack. I had the treatment for one year but there was no difference,” Vivienne said.

    She observed that whenever the matron injected her, the  lump would get hard again. The matron told me it would become soft, but  when I go back for the next appointment, it would be  hard again. I told her I wanted to go to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) but she discouraged me. She said the student doctors would use me for experiment and I would lose my life. I held on for a while,” said Vivienne.

    But when there was still no difference, Vivienne visited a private hospital where she was told to go for some diagnostic screenings. “When the results came out the doctor said I have breast cancer and said to me, Vivienne; your breast would be chopped off. With those words, I felt that was the end of life for me. The matron beside me noticed I was going down (fainting), then she offered me a seat. But something in me was telling me to go to LUTH. I knew I was not getting the best care I needed in those places,” Vivienne narrated.

    Vivienne continued: “In my search for LUTH, I ended up in General Hospital, Sabo. I was able to see a male doctor. On telling him that I had breast cancer, the doctor said he had done surgery for a lady without chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The doctor said chemotherapy and radiotherapy is a dangerous treatment for me.  When he told me this, I knew I was at the wrong place. My fiancé then browsed and saw LUTH address and I was able to trace it out.”

    At LUTH, Vivienne was told to go back to the doctor to ask for the lady she treated. She did.

    Vivienne said: “He said the patient was doing well after the treatment, that he told the lady to always come for medical check-up but she failed to do so. But I gathered that the lady the doctor treated came back after six months on a wheel chair with all her body swollen. I used that experience to trace out the first matron that treated me and asked for the lady she said she treated. The matron said she got fine but now late. She told me not to panic that the lady did not die as a result of the ailment. Then I realised I had been playing with my life. Thank God I got a better care at LUTH. When I was discharged I got to know that it was just a primary case and I needed to go for the chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I want to thank Dr Salako for her support.  Please you have done a lot but please do more so that we can have more survivors. I am not the first neither would I be the last. More awareness should be created. We can fight it,” Vivienne enthused.

    Thirty year-old Modele Ekanem (not real names) said hers started at the age of 24. She narrated her experience: “I was bleeding from the nipple as if I was menstruating. I have gone everywhere looking for solution. Until providence linked me with LUTH and I met Dr. Salako. I told her and she said my breast would be removed because the breast cancer had spread and it was in the last stage. I pleaded with her because my breast is my pride. She told me if the breast is not removed on time, it would affect the second breast and possibly, the whole body. I summoned courage and agreed that my breast should get removed. I underwent 12 chemotherapies. After that, I was declared free of cancer. Now, I am okay. What would I have done if I did not know Dr Salako because I am from a very poor background. She got money from the first lady. The cancer could have spread to the leg and I would have been limited in life. I am very grateful to the first lady for paying for the treatment. I also thank Dr. Salako for her encouragement.  I remember a particular drug Enzomenta (for the bone) which is N65, 000.00 that I must take for a year. Where would I have got the money? The treatment is very expensive. Please do not relent in helping us.”

    Mrs Yewande Olakunle, said she survived cancer because of timely financial assistance, adding that she got the prescribed drugs. Mrs Olakunke said, “I want to thank everyone. I would cut my story short. This story started in 2003 when I had my second child. I went to the hospital where I was delivered of my baby. The lump was removed and nothing was done to it. From there, I travelled to Senegal. Then in 2008, I felt another lump in the same place. I went to the general hospital on Lagos Island to remove the lumps again. After the lump was removed, I did the napcetomy (?) and found out that it was cancerous. I went for chemotherapy and also radiotherapy. Cancer is not a day journey, it is gradual. Once somebody is diagnosed with it, the person should keep visiting the hospital to tackle it. I want to thank the first lady and Dr Salako for my care because they have been there for me from the first day of my cancer journey. I advise everybody to check themselves and whenever they detect anything wrong they should report to the hospital. You can see that I am very healthy. A lot of people have died as a result of cancer but thank God that I am still alive.”

    For Mrs Kehinde Miracle (not real names), a 42-year-old mother, it all started shortly after delivering her second child. She shared her story: “While breast feeding, I discovered a very tiny hole. So, I went to Ikeja General Hospital. I was tested and told to come back later because I was still breast feeding. When I went back, I was told that I came late and still asked to come back in three months. Before it was three months, I went to a hospital at Abeokuta where I was referred to LUTH. I brought the sample from Abeokuta to LUTH. In the test it was confirmed that it was cancer. Then I was very afraid and thought my life was about to end. The consultant, Mr Oshinowo said, my breast had to be removed but I refused. He told me to come with my husband but before then he called some survivors to encourage me. After much pleading, my husband and I agreed that I go for the operation. Then I was transferred to radiotherapy department where I met Dr. Salako. She encouraged me, educated me about radiotherapy and took me as a sister. I was not informed that I should not get pregnant again. While I was single, my period was not regular even when I got married. After my first chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, I discovered that I was pregnant. I did not really want that pregnancy so I went to inform Mr. Oshinowo. After some time, he called me and said I could have the baby. I was delivered of the baby and I immediately commenced another treatment. One year after, I got pregnant again. I went to a private hospital to abort the baby but the doctor refused and told me to inform my doctor that delivered me of my third child. I was scared to tell Mr. Oshinowo that I was pregnant again.

    “Later, I told Mr. Oshinowo that I was pregnant then he congratulated me but I was confused. When I was pregnant, I noticed some symptoms but I could not tell anyone apart from my husband. My family members got annoyed with me for getting pregnant after that treatment. My parents were not happy. A month or two before I gave birth I was unable to move a leg. Some people said the baby was resting on it but I knew that was not the issue. I delivered safely. When my baby was a month old, I went back to LUTH to complain. I was told that a lump was discovered.  When my baby was a month and two weeks, I had my chemotherapy. I was referred to University College Hospital (UCH). I did not understand myself when I was at UCH, I thought I would die. I went back to LUTH to meet Dr. Salako and she told me never to lose hope. She said “You are going nowhere, you would survive it”.

    “At a time I could not afford the money for the treatment. Dr. Salako called me into her office and gave me the tablet. Where she got that money from is beyond me. I am still on the treatment till date. I took the last dose of chemotherapy last week. Enzomenta is prescribed for me for one year. I have taken it for six months. I ought to have been through with it but it is expensive. So, I stopped it and opted for only chemotherapy. At a point, I could not afford the drugs again. I was on the verge of selling my properties. My husband and I deliberated on selling our house just to get money for the drugs and buy a cheaper house though we have not done that. I have been declared cancer-free but I need the drugs to stay thoroughly free.”

    Mrs Banke Adikwu (not real names), 57- year-old said her cancer story started in 2010, “I detected a lump in the left breast. I noticed some dirty discharges on my breast. When I went to the regular hospital to complain, an X-ray was done but nothing was discovered medically. Drugs were prescribed for me. In early 2011, I noticed blood discharges coming out from my breast. I went back to the hospital to complain but still nothing was discovered. By late 2011, when I went to complain again, the doctor did a thorough examination on my breast and diagnosed me with cancer.

    The doctor said the breast would be removed. I was very scared and confused. I did the operation in March, 2012. I was given chemo, then referred to LUTH for radiotherapy. On getting there, I was told it was N100, 000 but I did not have such exorbitant amount. I am not from a rich family and also, my children had supported me with the little they had. I ran around but could not raise the money. I was directed to Dr. Salako. When I got there, it was already a year after the surgery. I was told that I came late for the radiotherapy. After then, I noticed I could neither sit nor walk well. Then I was directed to UCH at Ibadan for bone scan. From the bone scan it was discovered that if care was not taken, my spinal cord may be affected. An injection, which costs N65, 000 was prescribed. I was told that I would have six of it. Thanks to Dr. Salako and first lady because if not for them I may not be able to stand again. They took charge of the bills.”

  • Osinbajo, Ambode, others call for collective efforts to reduce cancer

    Osinbajo, Ambode, others call for collective efforts to reduce cancer

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has said the fight against cancer requires the cooperation of all.

    Represented by former Attorney General of Lagos State, Ade Ipaye, Osinbajo said cancer is a deadly affliction that could affect anyone.

    He said he would be ready to support the fight agianst the disease because the fight against the cancer scourge requires the support of everyone.

    The VP spoke yesterday at a  programme to celebrate the 52nd birthday of Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode  tagged ‘The Banquet of Stars Against Cancer’.

    Ambode urged corporate organisations and individuals to invest in cancer awareness, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research to reduce the burden of the disease.

    The governor was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Oluranti Adebule. The programme was organised by the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy In Nigeria (CECP) to commemorate Cancer Awareness Week, raise fund and mobilise Nigerians to fight cancer scourge.

    He said that government recognised the task to provide quality healthcare for the people.

    ‘’Lives are lost everyday to cancer and this is unacceptable. This triggered the annual health mission organised by the Lagos State Government to screen the public for cancer.

    ‘’Government alone cannot do it. I call on corporate bodies, NGOs and individuals to invest in healthcare to reduce disease burden.

    ‘’To this end, I urge those who planned gifts and adverts for the celebration of my birthday to channel the funds towards the fight against cancer, ‘’he said.

    Mr Tony Elumelu, a former Chairman of the United Bank for Africa, highlighted lack of fund and private sector involvement as factors militating against adequate health care facilities in Nigeria.

    “I can rightly say that funding is the most critical in the delivery of health care.

    “Financing is a critical wall against the fight against cancer, so on realising this we proposed a fiscal policy aimed at improving our medical facilities.

    “However on our part as organised private sector and Capital Market Community, we have resolved to raise more than N1 billion in 10 years to fight cancer.

    “The specific goal is to raise funds to acquire and deploy 37 Mobile Cancer Centres (MCC), which would take health promotion to grassroots of Nigeria. Each Mobile unit costs N120 million.

    ‘’Therefore, I call on other organisations to be a part of this fight against cancer by donating generously to this course,” he said.

    Dr Abia Nzelu, Secretary, CECP said one in three Nigerians would be diagnosed of cancer in their life time, 100, 000 new cases were diagnosed yearly and 80, 000 die annually of cancer in Nigeria.

    ‘’We need to act fast and now by providing these mobile cancer clinics, comprehensive cancer centre and a cancer institute to win the war against cancer.

    ‘’This move will screen, diagnose, treat and prevent cancers since early detection and prevention is the way to overcome the cancer burden,’’ she said.

    Some of the victims, who spoke at the occasion, were Maiden Olorogun Ibru, who lost her husband Mr Alex Ibru to colon cancer, and Ms Adenike Oyetunde, lawyer and broadcaster, who lost her limb to cancer.

    They appealed for generous donations towards saving many Nigerians from the scourge of cancer.

    Olorogun-Ibru asked the Lagos State Government to kick-start the campaign by donating a mobile cancer centre, to set an example for other states.

    Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Dr Christopher Kolade said the CECP is engaged to fight cancer because the body realises what cancer can do and that it is a serious war.

    He said with the level of support demonstrated by the public to the cause, they are assured that every Nigerian would be able to have access to a means of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer.

    Foremost economist Dr Pat Utomi who stood in for the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Fola Adeola, said CECP is passionate about ensuring that mobile testing centres are provided for every Nigerian because early detection is key to the survival of cancer.

  • Doctors hail ‘spectacular’ step towards cancer cure

    Many terminally ill cancer sufferers will be “cured” of the disease by a groundbreaking class of drugs described last night as heralding a new era in treatment.

    A British trial brought “spectacular” results, with tumours shrinking or disappearing completely in half of inoperable skin cancer patients.

    The findings came as a series of studies showed that the drugs, which use the body’s defences to combat the disease, were effective against some of the most deadly tumours, including those of the lung, bowel, liver and head.

    Experts gathered in Chicago at the world’s largest cancer conference said that the method was likely to become a once-in-a-generation advance, to rank with chemotherapy and surgery as one of the “pillars of oncology”.

    Patients given months to live might survive to enjoy a normal lifespan thanks to the breakthrough. Some will have their tumours vanish completely while others will have their tumours shrink in size and be controlled.

    The drugs are administered through a drip every few weeks and are generally less debilitating than chemotherapy. They do have side-effects, including inflammation, eczema, tiredness and liver problems.

    Peter Johnson, the chief clinician at Cancer Research UK, said: “The evidence emerging from clinical trials suggests that we are at the beginning of a whole new era for cancer treatments.”

    He said that about half of the people treated in the trials seemed to have responded well, adding: “We are hoping that in many cases these effects will be maintained in the long term, possibly leading to cures for some … this looks like the next big step forward for cancer treatment.”

    Cancers grow because they evade detection by the immune system. The latest class of drugs aims to strip away those disguises and alert the body’s natural defences to the danger.

    The first such treatment, ipilimumab, was approved for routine use four years ago, and although some patients survive into the long term, only a fifth of those given the drug show any benefit.

    At the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, British researchers said that tumours shrank dramatically in 58 per cent of patients when ipilimumab was combined with a new immunotherapy drug, compared with a 19 per cent success rate for those given the single drug.

    James Larkin, of the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, who led the trial of 945 patients, said that he was “excited, pleased and optimistic because we have got a response rate of over 50 per cent, which has never been seen before”. The results raised hope that “half of advanced melanoma patients could be living disease-free”, he added.