The Nation Newspaper

Tag: cancer

  • 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.

     

  • ‘Wonder’ capsule to detect cancer, others discovered

    ‘Wonder’ capsule to detect cancer, others discovered

    Here is some good news for cancer of bowel patients. The ailment can now be treated. Treatment is also available for colorectal cancers.

    Dr Anthony Sonade, a United Kingdom (UK) trained gastroenterologist, who specialises in diagnostic and preventive colorectal cancer,  has introduced PillCam Capsule Endoscopy for the management of such cancers.

    PillCam Capsule Endoscopy is a high technology diagnostic tool which can be used for investigating and managing gastrointestinal tract diseases.

    According to Sonade, PillCam Endoscopy is like a capsule, encapsulating a camera. In addition, the package has data recorder, sensor belt and Rapid 8 software.

    Sonade said: “I have practised for over two decades and it has been difficult for professionals to diagnose problems with small intestine and the bowel.  Most patients are opened up for diagnoses, which are painful to them.  The PillCam capsule is a size of large vitamin capsule with camera, which is able to take 80, 000 images (pictures) i.e. 40 pictures per second of the whole gastrointestinal system.

    “Before the patient swallows the Pill, she or he is purged as the capsule passes through the gastrointestinal tract, it starts transmitting images and data wirelessly to a data recorder worn by the patient. Once the procedure has been completed, the video images are downloaded from the data recorder onto a computer with the Rapid 8 software and then reviewed and translated by a skilled physician, who will look for abnormalities or a healthcare provider trained on that,” Dr Sonade stated.

    He said the capsule is a single use, adding: “Once the images are interpreted, and for example, if cancer is detected, it will be located, or if it has spread. That diagnosis will assist the physician to set to work in removing the cancerous growth.”

    The groups of people that cannot swallow the capsule are, “people that are vomiting and cannot keep fluid down; amazingly, expectant mothers can take the capsule. I have seen a pregnant woman who was bleeding. We did top and bottom endoscopy on her but could not find the cause. So we placed her on the capsule, a perfect diagnosis was made and she was treated and mother and the growing foetus were ok,” said Dr Sonade.

    Already the Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Nigeria (SOGHIN) is collaborating with Inscope Global Resources Limited, the company that markets the device in Nigeria, and Dr Sonade sheds light on this: “I have been able to negotiate a price for Africa, with the manufacturer. Dr Funmi Lesi of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) is the front for the society, who I am discussing with, so that more physicians can use this for their patients, because screening, timely and accurate diagnoses are sine qua non to prompt treatment.

    “The success rate of the use is 90 percent. We used to think the size was an issue, but the capsule has a special coating on it and is easy in Paediatric care. So if a paediatric can get it down successfully and paediatricians get the diagnoses right in them, then we are proud. Any hospital that needs same can place order, and we deliver, there is no problem with storage as we deliver to the physician’s schedule with his patient.”

    His colleague, Dr Seyi Adeeko at Inscope Global Resources Limited, added that the Pillcam capsule will be deployed by medics investigating patients who are exhibiting symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, or bleeding; screening for early-stage colorectal cancers and polyps with a full and complete view of the colon and for monitoring pre-existing conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

    On why he chose to work hand in hand with the expert, Dr Adeeko said: “Dr Sonade is a man that knows his onions. He trained in the UK and chose to come back to Nigeria, his fatherland with this innovation. He has transversed the field of Gastroenterology; diagnosis and long term management of inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s); diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy and colonoscopy); investigation and management of dyspepsia, IBS and change in bowel habit; pancreatic and liver diseases and the latest Capsule endoscopy. He is leading development of IBD services and is the principal investigator of IBD studies. He is also regional lead for Bowel cancer screening.

     

  • Our battles against cancer

    Our battles against cancer

    …Survivors tell tear-inducing stories

    Like a family they have common features; they have either lost a breast or both to the deadly disease called breast cancer. They have suffered the excruciating pain associated with chemotherapy, they have experienced the loneliness, and the depression understood only by cancer patients. They have survived it despite all odds.

    These were the lots of several breast cancer survivors (young and old) who gathered at the routine Care. Organisation. Public Enlightenment (COPE) Support Group meeting to share their experiences with other survivors still battling with the big C.
    Speaker after speaker, the women narrated their ordeal and how they survived the life threatening disease.
    The problem with cancer
    As the participants shared their different experiences, it was observed that they all agreed that the problem with cancer is the treatment and not the disease.
    They described the treatment especially Chemotherapy as deadly and terrible, which always made the patient just want to die.
    The pain of chemotherapy according to Della Ogunleye, made her want to attempt suicide. She came all the way from London to visit the group and most especially donate prosthetic bras to members of the support group.
    “The doctors had prepared my mind for the situation but when Chemotherapy hit me, I just wanted to end it all by taking my life.
    “Something needs to be done about the treatment of cancer. Chemotherapy just destroys everything in you. It makes one weak, thoughtless and it kills both the good and bad cells.
    Aside the excruciating pains associated with cancer treatment, the women fingered the high cost of purchasing medications as another problem.
    One of the survivors, Biola (not real name) said that Herceptin injection (440mg) prescribed for her, cost N560, 000 per injection, which she must take once in three weeks.
    “The drugs are just too expensive and there are no subsidies. I am the breadwinner of my family. My husband has lost his job and I have children. I have completed my chemotherapy and radiotherapy but because I have HER2 neu receptors the doctors said I must take Herceptin 440mg injections.
    “One injection cost N560, 000 and you can imagine that every three weeks. It is not an easy situation. Can you believe the number of people who have died as a result of their inability to procure the necessary drugs for their treatment?
    “Drugs for the treatment of cancer are very expensive. The prices vary with the particular drug recommended but they are all expensive. This is an area the government really needs to do something about to save more lives,” she said.
    The lack of a Comprehensive Cancer Centre in the country with all facilities and specialists was fingered as a major cause of cases of misdiagnoses and more cancer related deaths.
    According to the founder of C.O.P E, Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, there is an urgent need for the government to provide such facility as cancer should not be treated like malaria, since if detected and treated early, the survival rate is high.
    She lamented that the machines for cancer diagnosis and treatment were dysfunctional in most government teaching hospitals, wondering why the government has refused to put in place the required facilities to cater for the citizens.
    Anozie stated that the late former Ekiti State deputy governor Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, would have survived if not for misdiagnosis. She emphasized the importance of early detection which affords one a second opinion.
    Anozie, who has in close to two decades spent her time giving succour to women suffering from breast cancer, said: “Cancer brought me to my knees seeing loved ones go through it.”
    She said she was touched to start up the project after her experience, adding that she feels fulfilled being able to use her knowledge and influence to help breast cancer patients and survivors in need.
    She encouraged the participants to always take care of themselves, be happy, stress free, healthy diet, exercise and avoid sending acidic hormones into their system as a result of anger and depression.
    She also encouraged them to be comfortable and love themselves despite having one or no breast, noting that with the prosthetic bras and breast forms, no one will know that they have gone through mastectomy.
    She emphasized the need for good-self esteem, confidence and openness in order to enjoy a healthy and active sexual life with their partners. If you are walking on the road, stop thinking that people are looking at you. You are the only one that is conscious of the fact that you have one breast or none at all. She pleaded with family members and loved ones to be supportive.
    “Most people see cancer as a curse or a punishment for a sin they have committed. It is not so. Cancer can be cured if detected and treated early. We have survivors of 22 and 15 years respectively. We should realise that hereditary factor is less than 5 per cent. It can happen to anybody.”
    She accused the government of not doing enough for cancer patients.
    “How many black women go for clinical trials? Do we have clinical trials done here? Do we have medication produce here? We have herbalists putting something together, are we supporting them? I am positive that the answer to cancer is here.
    “When you are using medication that has been tried on a white person on a black woman how is it going to work that is why a lot of medications may not work. We need to get our ass together. It saddens me when I hear that someone has stolen from government and nothing is being done about it. Meanwhile people are dying. Until it happens to someone close them, they will start running up and down,” she said.
    United Kingdom-based Ogunleye thought cancer was for Caucasians. She could not hold back her tears as she addressed the women. She said that she was amazed to see “so many black female breast cancer survivors.
    It is unbelievable and it also strengthens me because now I know that I am not alone.
    “I was alone in England battling with breast cancer. When I joined a support group, I was the only African amidst them. Much later, my little sister was the only one who stood by me, even my mother couldn’t bear it.
    “I was really ignorant about the whole cancer issue that I almost gave up, but the thought of my two daughters and how terrible they will feel strengthened me.
    “Mine started with a painful breast. I went to see a general practitioner and complained but they said breast cancer is not painful in most cases and recommended that I see a specialist.
    “It happened at a time I was planning a holiday. That same weekend, I had a wedding and a party to attend in Nigeria. The only thoughts running through my mind were my holiday and party.
    “When I saw the specialist and carried out series of tests, it was discovered that I had breast cancer. I thought it was something they will just treat and I will be fine. I did not give it much thought since I had already planned my trip, I came to Nigeria, spent two weeks and returned.
    “It was on my return that the breast was removed and I started undergoing treatment.
    People need to stop being afraid of cancer because there is life after cancer. It is not a death sentence.
    “I was scared that no one will love me with one breast. I thought it was over for me but my life actually started after cancer because I found love after cancer, a man who loves me and stayed with me all through the trying period. At times, I just sit back and say oh! Thank you cancer.”
    Cancer struck me on the street
    She looked radiant, happy and at peace with herself. Her voice reverberated as she told the group members that her life started having meaning after her battle with cancer.
    The woman, who appeared to be in her late 60s, gave her name as Franca Taiwo and explained that she was homeless at the time cancer struck.
    She was going through emotional stress, having been abandoned by the man she has spent over 40 years with.
    Mrs. Taiwo who said she wished for death and it came severally but did not take her, explained that her situation was so bad that people thought she had gone mad and referred her to Yaba Psychiatric Hospital.
    She further said that her husband who was a medical doctor had thought she would die in the midst of her storm, while he kept all they laboured to acquire for himself, unfortunately, died before her.
    “I was in my late 50s and I did not have a kobo. My husband with whom I had spent so many years and built investments together abandoned me about seven years ago. I was on the streets and left with nothing. I moved to the outskirt of the city, where you have abandoned properties.
    “I was so depressed, emotionally and financially unstable to the point that I was referred to Yaba It was while on the streets that cancer struck”.
    “I never knew I will survive until I came and was introduced to the support group. I wished for death and on four occasions it came but could not take me. I have children and grandchildren but none could understand the loneliness or the pain I felt inside me like members of the support group. They are the family I never had. It was with their love and support that I was able to overcome cancer. I am a survivor of five years and now, my life is better. I was told that my husband died recently in Ibadan, I am not celebrating his death, I am only telling this story so that you will have faith in God and also learn to forgive those who wrong you”.
    “I never reconciled with him but I forgave him all the evil things he did against me. I got married to him when he had only two shirts. I used my head to carry bricks while we were building our estate. We invested together and when he felt he had become a rich man, he abandoned me that I was troublesome.
    “I am sure he would have been happy if I had died before him. But look at what the situation is today. Even all the money he had could not save him but me that I was penniless, God has preserved and given me back my life.”
    Cancer after 40th birthday
    For Kate Ugwu, she discovered she had breast cancer after her 40th birthday. The affected breast was later removed.
    She said since after her treatment nine years ago; everyday means a lot to her. “I decided to stay healthy. I take a lot of supplements. Some they call antioxidants. I make myself happy and talk to people around me if there is anything bothering me. I am not giving depression a chance.”
    “I fought breast cancer with determination and I thank God I did not die of depression because a lot of patients die because of depression and not even cancer. Though I felt weak the first week but I picked up courage as my family and people who have benefitted from me were there to assist me.
    “I decided on my own. I got some medical people that are closed to me. I told them to remove the lump right away. Immediately the remove the lump I took it to the lab and when the result came out I was sad. The doctors did radical mastectomy and the whole breast was removed.
    “I spent well over a N1 million to do 10 courses of chemotherapy. It was terrible; I sourced for funds, browed money because it is not something you say, oh, I will do it when I have money.
    “Every three weeks I have to get it. I wasn’t given any blood transfusion, the doctors said I have beaten their medical record, that nobody that has gone through chemotherapy 10 times would not require a pint of blood. I started taking blood supplements and I was fine. During that time a lot of people died of depression. Students aged 18 years were dying of depression. My Bible was my comforter all through.
    “After five years I went for another screening and we saw another lump on the other breast and I was scared to the marrow. Immediately, I did it like the first one, it was a very big lump, It was removed and fortunately after four weeks they said it was not cancerous.
    “I was happy and since then, everyday means a lot for me. I decided to stay healthy. I take a lot of supplements. I am no longer on drugs. I was told that I was going to take a particular drug for five years, but I said I would not need it because most people taking it are complaining that the drug is worsening their situation. Again, because that drug is too expensive I decided that the money should be used for supplements.
    “Under this support group, people are getting assistance. People that cannot pay, the organisation is helping them to take treatment. If cancer patients are being taken care of like this HIV patients, many of them will survive.
    We are only asking government to subsidise cancer treatment. Many people die because of lack of money to treat themselves.”

    A peculiar case
    Rashidat’s was a peculiar case. While most of the survivors went through normal surgeries, normal Chemotherapy and radiotherapy as prescribed; she has had to repeat the process three times.
    The 47 year-old mother of two said she was diagnosed of breast cancer when she was 44. She explained that the last three years have left her financially, psychologically and physically “incapacitated.”
    She said: “I used to be a fashion designer but now I can barely lift my arm up. I was just checking my breast one day and I felt a lump in one of them. So, when I told my husband about it, he advised that I should go and see a doctor.
    “I went to our private hospital first and after the doctor examined me, she gave me a referral to general hospital where I went for screening.
    “After the screening, the oncologists discovered that there were about four lumps in one of my breasts. I was disturbed and depressed but had to pull myself together because I got married late and my kids are still very young.
    “When I thought about losing my life, I asked myself who will train my children?” The doctors also advised that steps be taken urgently to remove the lumps. My appointment dates were made very short and on one of the days when I went to see the doctor, he just told me that I should prepare myself for surgery.
    “The surgery was done and the breast was removed in November 2012 and it took about two months for the place to heal. After the wound healed by January 2013, I commenced Chemotherapy but on getting to my fourth chemo, another lump was discovered on that same side but close to my armpit.
    “I went back to the oncologists and they said I should continue with chemo that it would take care of the lump but by the time I got to my sixth chemotherapy, the lump had grown bigger.
    “So, instead of going for radiotherapy after chemo, I was subjected to another surgery and the lump was removed. I started chemo all over again and when I was about going for radiotherapy for the second time, another lump was discovered again.
    “I was frustrated and no one knew I could survive chemotherapy. I went back to the doctors, it was in that process that doctors embarked on a long strike. I was always in pain, looking haggard and depressed. My life was a complete mess and I was always crying and weak. It was at that point that I was introduced to the support group and after sharing my story, Mrs. Anozie advised me to always pray to my God each time I want to take my drugs.
    “I was not doing that before and so, I started doing it. When the strike was called off, I went back to see the oncologist and they said the lump keeps coming back because the node was not tapped.
    “I was subjected to another surgery again and now I am undergoing chemotherapy. I think the prescriptions for cancer should be seriously examined. Most of the drugs they even give us are like poison. You take them and your entire system is disorganized.
    “This group is really a source of strength and hope to me. The strength I have now, I did not have it before and so, I always look forward to meeting with other survivors here.”
    Life goes on
    Amid the despair of breast cancer, these women have found hope so much that they could even joke about their situation. If you hear them shout: “One nation!”, it is their own way of referring to the one breast many of them have after losing one to cancer. One of them said: “I refer to our breasts as one nation since most of us have lost one breast to breast cancer.”
    One breast or not, they say life continues.

  • Lifestyle changes can prevent cancer

    Lifestyle changes can prevent cancer

    Nigerian  women have been urged to watch their lifestyles to prevent breast cancer.

    A naturopath, Dr Solomon Abutoh of Towersea Centre, Lagos, who gave the advice, also said conventional treatment of cancer and the effects vary from one person to another, depending on the stage and mode of treatment applied.

    He said: “Some of the unpleasant side effects of conventional treatment of cancer include loss of weight, tightness in the affected skin area, loss of strength in the muscles, numbness and tingling in the chest, under arm, shoulder and the arms. The breast may become firmer, larger or smaller, the skin could become more sensitive or less sensitive. Patients are more prone to infections, bruise or bleed easily, loss of hair and appetite, bone marrow suppression or sores. Nausea and vomiting are the most serious side effects of Chemotherapy. Periods could be irregular or may abruptly stop; some might not be fertile, especially between ages 35 to 40 years. Hot flashes and vaginal dryness or irritation may also occur.”

    He added: “Since prevention is obviously better than cure, which in this case has been elusive, patients are strongly advised to check breast monthly; women aged 20 to 40 should have a health care professional check their breast every year; have a mammogram annually.”

    Abutoh said as in all disease conditions (breast cancer inclusive) the choices we make, our life style, the food we eat and drink, the environment and or conditions we expose ourselves to, are crucial, very crucial for anyone who desires to stay healthy.

    According to him, “The natural healing force within each one of us remains the greatest force in getting well. Certain percentage of all breast cancer cases could be avoided by taking preventive measures. Breast cancer is one of the most widely studied cancers and it has been proven that nutrition can make an impact on risk for individuals with and without a breast cancer diagnosis.

    “Consuming a mostly plant based diet is a good choice. This can be achieved by striving to consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables and at least one serving of whole grains or legumes per day. Managing your weight is another consideration. Women who had a body mass index (BMI) in the normal range had a 13 percent reduction in risk. The recommendation is to be as lean as possible without becoming underweight. The range for a normal BMI is 18.5 to 25. Reducing dietary fat intake could improve relapse-free survival rates in women with breast cancer. Women with breast cancer may have less risk of recurrence when following a lower fat diet.”

    He advised: “Women should be as lean as possible without becoming underweight; be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day; avoid sugary drinks and limit consumption of energy dense foods; eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes such as beans; limit consumption of red meats and avoid processed meats; if consumed at all, limit alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men and limit consumption of salty foods and avoid foods processed with salt.

  • Rally against cancer

    Rally against cancer

    Students of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have sensitised secondary school pupils and residents of the institution’s host community on the need to fight cancer. The campaign was organised in commemoration of the World Cancer Day. EZEKIEL EFEOBHOKHAN (400-Level Pharmacy) reports.

    The notice for the rally was short and sharp. Their eagerness to be part of the campaign was driven by their desire to ensure a cancer-free society.

    This was the motivation of Pharmacy students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), who organised a health awareness in the institution’s host community to commemorate the World Cancer Day.

    For over four hours, the students, under the aegis of Anti-Drug Misuse and Abuse Programme (ADMAP), moved round some notable areas in Ugbowo, the university’s host community, educating people on how they could stop cancer. They displayed placards with  various inscriptions to share information about the disease.

    During the campaign, the students visited Uselu Market and secondary schools in Ugbowo. They spoke to traders at the market in Pidgin English.

    Kingsley Isibor, a 500-Level student, explained to market women what could cause cancer and how it could be prevented. He advised the traders to go for regular medical checkup, noting that early detection remained the best way to cure cancer.

    His words: “I go beg una to chop many fruits. Also make una no drink alcohol, e nor good for body. I wan advise you make una dey do light exercises like walk and you need to move away from where somebody dey smoke cigarettes.”

    Demonstrating to the market women how to carry out Breast Self-Examination (BSE), ADMAP chairperson, Chinenye Ihejirika, advised nursing mothers to breast feed their children adequately, saying it would reduce the risk to cancer.

    Chinenye said: “Make una dey check una breast as I dey do so, at least every month, so that una go fit sabi wether something dey swell up for there. If una feel any pain or anything swell at all for the breast area or under your armpit or if your nipple soft well well, make una quick go hospital go meet doctor. Them go check am well for una.”

    She urged the traders to maintain hygiene in the market, stressing that dirty environment could cause many diseases.

     

  • Forex expert needs N10m for cancer surgery

    Forex expert needs N10m for cancer surgery

    A forex trainer and newspaper columnist, Mr Adekunle Adeyeri, needs N10 million for cancer of the bone marrow surgery.

    The 46-year-old personal finance expert explained that he was struck by the ailment last year while preparing for church.

    He said: “On August 17, 20I4, I was in the bathroom preparing for church, when everything suddenly went blank. I felt some sensations like electric shocks ravaging my body and I could not move my left leg. I could not even stand on my feet again and I was about to fall when my wife quickly came to my aid. I was rushed to a private hospital where I was revived and subsequently transferred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, for further treatment.”

    Adeyeri’s medical report reveals that he is suffering from a deadly disease called multiple myeloma-cancer of the bone marrow. He is been unable to walk or sit.

    His condition, according to doctors, requires a spinal surgery and a bone marrow transplant that will cost N10 million.

    “Through the help of my family members and classmates at the Federal Government College in Ido-Ani, Ondo State, I had to travel to India for the spine surgery which cost N3 million. I was told if I didn’t do it before the transplant I would become paralysed. But my doctors insist that I must go back for the bone marrow transplant because the cancer cells are now spreading through my body and eating deep into the spine again.”

    Adeyeri, who hails from Ondo State, is pleading with well-meaning Nigerians for support to carry out the life-saving surgery.

    “I have spent all my life savings on treatment and I have no money to take care of my health. Even my family members have really assisted me with money and have exhausted their pocket. I am, therefore, pleading with Nigerians to assist me to raise N10m. I am also calling on Governor Segun Mimiko as well as well-meaning Nigerians and organisations to rescue me from the jaws of death,” he said

    Adeyeri can be reached on-08039391041; donors can send money to his account- Adekunle Adeyeri, Guaranty Trust Bank, 0007654719.

  • Student loses cancer battle

    Student loses cancer battle

    A student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Pius Oluwole Agidigbi, has died of colon cancer.

    The late Pius, a 300-Level English student, was known on campus as COPAK. He died at the OAU Teaching Hospital. He was 22.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that his parents were with him  in his last hours. He reportedly muttered “I want to go home” before he breathed his last.

    It was gathered that the deceased had been managing the tumour since he was in secondary school.

    Before his death, the late Pius was said to have undergone six surgeries and could not attend the school in the first semester of his third year. He promised to join his classmates after recovery.

    Ayomide Alabi, his close friend described him as a “gentle and jovial young man” who loved football. Ayomide added that the deceased loved political discussion. “Pius’ philosophy in life was that of fun and getting the best life could offer,” Ayomide said.

    In a condolence letter to his parents, the Head of Department of English, urged the family to take heart.

    The late Pius was buried the day he died. He was admitted into OAU through Pre-degree programme. He was the last child of his family.

     

  • Student loses cancer battle

    Student loses cancer battle

    A student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Pius Oluwole Agidigbi, has died of colon cancer.

    The late Pius, a 300-Level English student, was known on campus as COPAK. He died at the OAU Teaching Hospital. He was 22.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that his parents were with him  in his last hours. He reportedly muttered “I want to go home” before he breathed his last.

    It was gathered that the deceased had been managing the tumour since he was in secondary school.

    Before his death, the late Pius was said to have undergone six surgeries and could not attend the school in the first semester of his third year. He promised to join his classmates after recovery.

    Ayomide Alabi, his close friend described him as a “gentle and jovial young man” who loved football. Ayomide added that the deceased loved political discussion. “Pius’ philosophy in life was that of fun and getting the best life could offer,” Ayomide said.

    In a condolence letter to his parents, the Head of Department of English, urged the family to take heart.

    The late Pius was buried the day he died. He was admitted into OAU through Pre-degree programme. He was the last child of his family.

     

  • Student loses cancer battle

    A student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Pius Oluwole Agidigbi, has died of colon cancer. The late Pius, a 300-Level English student, was known on campus as COPAK. He died at the OAU Teaching Hospital. He was 22. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that his parents were with him  in his last hours. He reportedly muttered “I want to go home” before he breathed his last. It was gathered that the deceased had been managing the tumour since he was in secondary school. Before his death, the late Pius was said to have undergone six surgeries and could not attend the school in the first semester of his third year. He promised to join his classmates after recovery. Ayomide Alabi, his close friend described him as a “gentle and jovial young man” who loved football. Ayomide added that the deceased loved political discussion. “Pius’ philosophy in life was that of fun and getting the best life could offer,” Ayomide said. In a condolence letter to his parents, the Head of Department of English, urged the family to take heart. The late Pius was buried the day he died. He was admitted into OAU through Pre-degree programme. He was the last child of his family.

  • How I overcame breast cancer, by survivor

    How I overcame breast cancer, by survivor

    A woman who survived breast cancer has spoken of how she overcame the ailment and how the disease could be defeated.

    Mrs Betty Akeredolu who was diagnosed of breast cancer in 1997 said access to the right information coupled with the advancement in medical science has helped her to successfully fight the disease.

    Speaking in Lagos last Wednesday at a lecture to mark World Cancer Day, Mrs Akeredolu, who is the founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) said the global efforts to stop the spread of cancer may end up as a mirage if people do not share the right information on the disease and government failed to bring down the cost of treatment.

    The lecture which was the inaugural edition of the Omolara Jolaoso Memorial Lecture with the theme: Breast Cancer and Lifestyle, held at the Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School in Ikeja, and was organised by LANDER 88, an Old Students’ Association of the school to celebrate the life and times of the late Ms Jolaoso, who died on December 2013 after she lost the battle against breast cancer. The honoree was the convener of the association before she died.

    Mrs Akeredolu, who has survived breast cancer for 17 years and still getting stronger, said the disease could be defeated if people volunteer information about their health challenges and go for regular medical check for early detection.

    The wife of the frontline lawyer, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, said recent researches on breast cancer showed solution was within the reach, stressing that the growing cases of cancer had necessitated the need for specialist hospitals in the country to diagnose and treat patients at low cost.

    She said: “When I was diagnosed of breast cancer in 1997, I did not know anyone with such disease at that time. I felt it was the end but medical research has improved over the years. From the outcome we are getting, it shows solution is within our reach. I am standing here today to tell you that we can beat breast cancer.

    “But people must know that sharing information is key to beating breast cancer. Women must go out for regular medical checkup. This way, we can stop the cancer at the early stage. But many complain about lack of specialist hospital and expensive treatment. We want government to look into this to help poor victims and reduce foreign exchange (expended on overseas treatment).”

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, noted that researches showed that the best way to prevent cancer is to perform physical exercise and eat low calorie diet, containing fibre, fruits and vegetables. He said sedentary lifestyle, intake of animal and exposure to tobacco products increase vulnerability to cancer.

    Idris, who was represented by Dr Olajumoke Oyenuga at the event, said the state government had been offering free screening for women on cancer, noting that there was need for individuals and corporate bodies to complement the efforts of the government in extending the free service to more people.

    He said: “It is a known fact that no one is immune to breast cancer. Therefore, early detection through intensive and sustained public enlightenment, education and regular screening is the key to a favourable outcome. The risk factors of the disease include increasing age and early menarche, late menopause, and genetic predisposition.”

    The Commissioner urged women to always conduct Breast Self-Examination (BSE), go for Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) and periodically engaged in mammogram after the age of 40 to reduce the burden of the disease.

    The Special Adviser on Education to Lagos Governor, Hon. Fatai Olukoga, said cancer was not incurable, stressing that massive public enlightenment must be sustained to reduce the growing cases. “For cancer to be stopped, we must tackle the challenge of ignorance among the people, he said.

    Other speakers at the event included Dr Olufemi Ladehinde, Chief Executive Officer of Rencare Limited and Dr Biodun Adeyanju, a consultant surgeon at the Federal Medical Centre in Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

    The event ended with an interactive session with pupils of the school and the guests.

    The late Omolara’s brother, Mr Abdulrasaq Sowunmi, said the event was to inform the people to take adequate measure against cancer. On how the family had been coping after the Omolara’s death, he said: “As a Muslim family, we have accepted it as the will of God. There is nothing anybody can do to it. God giveth and taketh. But life goes on.”