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Tag: cancer

  • World Cancer Day

    •Increasing numbers of the disease should inspire a special policy in Nigeria

    On Wednesday, Nigerians joined the rest of humanity to mark the World Cancer Day, a day set aside by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to raise awareness on prevention, detection and treatment of the disease.

    Cancer, which describes a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body, is among the leading causes of death worldwide. In 2012 alone, approximately 14 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths were recorded. Of these, more than 60 percent occurred in Africa, Asia and Central and South America – that is 70 percent of the world’s cancer deaths.

    As one would expect, the statistics for Nigeria is as chilling as can be: an estimated two million Nigerians are believed to be down with the disease. Head of Oncology and Radiotherapy Unit of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, Prof Remi Ajekigbe, puts the estimated figure of new cancer cases at 100,000 yearly – with LUTH alone recording no fewer than 3,000 new cases yearly. Of the cases, more than 50 percent are said to occur in women – the commonest being breast and cervical cancer; the cancers frequently associated with men are prostate, lung, colorectum, stomach and liver cancers.

    What is equally noteworthy is that survival rates from the disease have doubled in the last 40 years owing to vast advances in science and medicine. Even at that, the number of new cases is projected to rise by about 70 percent over the next two decades.

    This is where the theme for this year – Not Beyond Us –would seem particularly apt. Aside underscoring the challenge ahead, it also underlies the resolve of the global scientific community to tackle the scourge via the avenues of new treatments and solutions within reach, with specific focus on four key areas: choosing healthy lives, delivering early detection, achieving treatment for all and maximising quality of life.

    Hardly an entirely new approach, this strategy would seem pragmatic; cancer treatments, even where facilities for its management are readily available are known to be very expensive. For most developing countries, including Nigeria, specialised cares for sufferers of various types of cancers are not just limited; the facilities available are overstretched just as the cost of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments are well beyond what most cancer patients can afford.

    This is where the benefits of the approach that places primary responsibility on the individual in the area of preventive check-ups and while discouraging those life-styles that predispose the individual to the disease, cannot be over-emphasised. Just like in other aspects of our national life where preventive strategy comes highly recommended, we do not think that the government is doing nearly enough to promote behavioural changes that could help cut down the rising incidences of cancer. And to imagine that we are here referring to things as basic as improved diets, routine exercises to avoid obesity and avoidance of alcohol and smoking that can be handled at the primary health care level.

    The biggest challenge however is in the area of research and the provision of equipment for cancer treatment. For a nation that aspires to join the league of developed countries less than five years from now, it is a crying shame that it does not have a centre of excellence devoted to cancer treatment and research. Even worse is that most of the radiotherapy machines in the country are said to be obsolete – constantly breaking down due to high patient load –which is why affluent Nigerians now leave in droves for treatment abroad.

    Providing our tertiary health institutions with grants to procure cancer equipment in the circumstance would not be a bad idea. The institutions can then be expected to concentrate on training the requisite manpower.

  • Cancer not a death sentence, says oncologist

    •Increasing cases worrisome

    Nigerians have been advised not to be scared of cancer because it is not a death sentence. It can be overcome, according to a professor of Radiotherapy and Oncology at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Aderemi Ajekigbe.

    Ajekigbe spoke at the21st inaugural lecture of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

    Speaking on Cancer: The unwanted guest that may visit, the expert described the disease as a terrorist of the highest order, adding that two million Nigerians are living with it.

    Besides, over 100,000 new cases are recorded yearly as everyone risks having the disease.

    Ajekigbe said cancer is not new because it has always been with man.

    He said diagnosis of cancer makes people jittery, adding that people should not be afraid.

    The disease, in his view, causes patients unimaginable pains, adding that it is rising because of the ageing populations across the world.

    “By 2020s there would be 20 million new cancer cases,”he said.

    The oncologist said 75 per cent of them would live in countries that would have less than five per cent of the resources to control the disease.

    Ajekigbe said infection, which was previously a major cause of suffering and death, had given way to new epidemics of non-communicable disorder, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer.

    The cause, he said, is “unhealthy” lifestyles, adding that people need to change the way they live.

    He said cancer has known and unknown causes, describing furniture makers, commercial sex workers and vulcanisers as those with high risk.

    Others are smokers and those who had intercourse before 17 years.

    “Also, genetically modified foods, radiation and tight underwear (pants) in men can cause the disease.

    “Similarly, cancer can affect those who started menses before the age of 12 and women who never breastfed. In fact, if you are poor, you have your own type cancer, if you are rich, you also have your own type. However, early circumcision is important to avert cancer of the penis,” he said.

    The oncologist said: “10 percent or about 200,000 have access to hospitals with radiotherapy facilities.

    “About five per cent of this number, that is 10,000, have resources to go abroad where they pay between 10,000 to 15,000 dollars per patient for a three to five week course of radiotherapy, which translates to about 100,000,000 dollars(one hundred million dollars) per annum of foreign exchange drain. The cost of Chemotherapy is about five to 10 times more than the cost of radiotherapy.

    “About 27 per cent of the two million cases are breast cancer while about 25 percent are cancer of the cervix.”

    Ajekigbe said cancer from molecular biology perspectives is now recognised as a genetic disease where there are mutations in genes, inherited or acquired, result in the transition from a normal to a malignant growth pattern.

    He identified cancer symptoms as any persistent lump or thickening in tissue especially the breast or lip or tongue.

    Others are any irregular bleeding of blood-tinged discharged from anybody orifice (opening), such as vagina, anus, nostrils, mouth and nipples.

    Others are any sore that does not heal, especially if located in the mouth, tongue or lip; persistent indigestion or loss of appetite especially in people over 40 years of age; sudden or rapid change in the form, appearance of rate of growth of a mole or a wart; getting bigger, painful or bleeding; persistent change from normal in-bowel habit and continuous hoarseness, cough, soreness of throat or difficulty in swallowing.

    Ajekigbe said there is a painless dark patch on the sole of the foot or in any other part of the body.

    “Urinating at night especially in men above 50 years severally at night or difficulty in passing urine and unintentional weight loss are among the symptoms.

    Specifically, he said some symptoms were peculiar to breast and he enumerated them as: painless lump in the breast; discharge from the nipple (bloody or not); lump in the arm pit; skin changes in the breast; changes in the contour of the breast; nipple retraction and history of eczematous changes in the nipple, with itching, burning sensation, oozing of blood.

    He said cancer can spread to almost every part of the body except their ear and teeth.

    The spread of cancer, he noted, often causes cough, chest pain, blood in sputum, breathlessness, severe bone pain, inability to walk. It could also result to headache, confusion, slurred speech, loss memory, dizziness, vomiting and the ultimate price – death.

    Cancer, he said, is managed by a team which consists of oncologists, radiotherapist and chemotherapists, among others.

    “Experts in surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, immunotherapy, thermal ablation therapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, gene therapy, pain control and hospice-care are all involved in the treatment and management of the disease,”

    To Ajekigbe, Nigeria is not prepared to fight the war against cancer.

    He stressed that said early detection is the key to saving patients’ lives.

    The oncologist said the disease dehumanises and impoverishes its sufferers.

    “It makes a mockery of the bold, the brave, the rich, the powerful, the beautiful, the adored, the mighty, the highly placed and the lowly placed. It has absolute contempt for position, gender or age. It is a terrorist of the highest order.”

    However, he recommended to the Federal Government to make allocation of oil block to cancer for early detection and management.

    “Allocate to cancer five per cent of the Gross income of all members of the executive and legislature at federal, state and local government levels and you will see the wonder these deductions will do in early detection of cancer and its management,” Ajekigbe suggested.”

  • Lifestyle changes ’ll prevent cancer

    Alternative health practitioners, such as naturopaths and energy therapists, among others, have identified lifestyle changes as a definite way to curtail cancer.

    This was the position at a health seminar on cancer in Lagos. It was organised by the Committee of Concerned Women and Sunshine Foundation, with the theme: Lifestyles that prevent cancer.

    A naturopath, Dr Godwin Ihesie, enjoined the people to eat right, adding that unhealthy food, such as processed food can affect their overall health and as such predispose them to cancer.

    Poor eating habit, he noted, can trigger the disease. “Many do not know what to eat,” he added.

    Ihesie said people should take water, which is a natural endowment to detoxify their system. “It helps to clean the colon as it will flush out unwanted materials from the system,” he said.

    Being inactivite, he said, may trigger the disease as it can make people become obese and consequently put them in danger of some cells becoming cancerous.

    He advised people to engage in regular exercises to burn unwanted fat, stressing that this would promote their health.

    The alternative medicine practitioner said God has arranged food in seasons and as such there are protective food and energy food. Protective foods are vegetables and fruits, which nourish the liver. “Carrot and mango are good. They help the kidney and urinary system. Also, they strengthen people’s immunity.

    “These fruits and vegetables have the neecessary antioxidants that people need to build their immunity.”

    Ihesie said during those seasons when there are different fruits and vegetables, people are able to strengthen their immunity.

    “So, my advice is for people to consume fruits in season as they help boost immunity. They also remove toxins and free radicals from the system,” he said.

    Ihesie said cancer can afflict people when there is disharmony in their system.

    Explaining this, he said, cancer is a cell that has lost information in a system, and as such becomes rebellious.

    “Any cell that has lost its link with the medium gross matter can ail the body,” he said.

    The naturopath identified the liver as the only organ that can help an individual prevent cancer in any organ in the body.

    He, however, said people often abuse it, especially with tobacco smoke, which is its number enemy.

    “When tobacco smoke is mixed with atmospheric oxygen, it produces more than 200 other dangerous chemicals.

    Ihesie said the foundation of cancer is laid at infancy.

    He said more than 99 per cent of women who have had emotional trauma develop breast and cervical cancers.

    “Emotional trauma will further ruin the activities of the liver,” he said.

    An energy therapist, Mrs Chinwe Emegokwue, said ideally no part of human body should be painful.

    According to her, pain is a sign that an organ is diseased or that there is weakness.

    She said people should take control of their thoughts because they determine their words. That is, through thoughts people frame their words and as such habit is formed and it becomes people’s belief. Their belief then becomes their destiny.

    Mrs Emegokwue described energy medicine as a way of balancing the energy.

    She said energy therapy complements other therapies, stressing that this makes it a self help therapy of some sort.

    The energy therapist said by being angry or having animosity can make people can develop negative energy, which can affect their wellbeing.

    Besides, it makes us to have negative energy, which gives rise to negative vibration because man is an energy field.

    “Negative vibrations kill our cells. And gradually we are digging our grave without knowing,” he

    Mrs Emegokwue said every part of man’s body is liable to the disease, especially when there is negative energy flow.

    This, she said, can also cause blockage to the intestines, especially the small one.

    Being worried can result to stomach upset and then progress to ulcer.

    She described the large intestine and the lungs as the region of confusion is the body, adding that when there is order within the human system the man will feel free and well.

    She said too much of concentration leads to stress, stressing that it sometimes put people in trouble.

    The energy therapist said stretching by people can help them remove the blockage, which causes stress.

    She advised people to remove negative energy from their system before going to bed.

    Explaining the steps, she said people must first raise some heat by rubbing the palms together and then touch their body, especially their heads to remove the negative energy.

    “Also, people need to sleep very well. By resting adequately they will be able to maintain their physical and spiritual wellbeing,” she added.

  • Group holds cancer awareness seminar

    A  non-governmental organization, creating cancer awareness, will today hold a seminar at Afe Babalola Auditorium, University of Lagos, Lagos.

    The event, which starts at 10.00am, has ‘Lifestyles that Prevent Cancer’ as topic.

    The organizers of the seminar, the Committee of Concerned Women for Grail Movement-Nigeria and the Sunshine Foundation, are concerned with the welfare of senior citizens in Nigeria.

    A member of one of the organizing bodies, Prince Adebambo Epiphanio Joseph, in a short interview, said: “Concerned Nigerians are worried about the scourge of cancers which is currently on rampage. The disease which was unpopular some decades ago is now common place.

    “At the least, one in every five Nigerians must have been familiar with it. If the Nigerian is not a direct sufferer, the citizen must know a close relative who had been terminally afflicted. The disease is currently becoming endemic to cause the reason for searching for an effective intervention.

    “About two-third of all cancer cases are not caused by environmental factors or bad genes that had earlier been held responsible. There are many reasons that could be responsible for the ‘bad luck’. Reports from John Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Centre in the U.S.A confirms that there are many forms of cancer, but they are basically cells running amok, and multiplying uncontrollably, which leads to tumors growing and interfering with the normal functions of an organ.

    “Carcinogenic factors like smoking of cigarettes and exposure to direct rays of the sun or heredity contribute to the probability of developing the disease. Majority of the causes cannot be traced to these factors. They are as a result of other life styles- mainly that of the urban dwellers. This is the reason for the talk-shop which takes place today.

    “Some experts have been lined-up as resource persons for this important event. These cut across the spectrum of health-givers, orthodox-medicine, energy therapy homeopathy and African traditional medicine.

    “Facilities and health personnel would be provided for general diagnosis of the first 200 attendees at the foyer of the venue, courtesy of the Shell Petroleum Development and Exploration Company of Nigeria. It promises to be a memorable day for healthcare delivery in Nigeria.”

  • Possible causes of cancer in children

    The causes of most childhood cancers are not known. About five per cent of all cancers in children are caused by an inherited mutation (a genetic mutation that can be passed from parents to their children). For example, 25 to 30 per cent of cases of retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye that develops mainly in children, are caused by an inherited mutation in a gene called RB1. However, retinoblastoma accounts for only about three per cent of all cancers in children.  Inherited mutations associated with certain familial syndromes, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Fanconi anemia syndrome, Noonan syndrome, and von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, also increase the risk of childhood cancer.

    Genetic mutations that cause cancer can also arise during the development of a foetus in the womb. For example, one in every 100 children is born with a genetic abnormality that increases risk for leukemia, although only one child in 8,000 with that abnormality actually develops leukemia.

    Children who have Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, are 10 to 20 times more likely to develop leukemia than children without Down syndrome. However, only a very small proportion of childhood leukemia is linked to Down syndrome.

    Most cancers in children, like those in adults, are thought to develop as a result of mutations in genes that lead to uncontrolled cell growth and eventually cancer. In adults, these gene mutations are often the result of exposure to environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke, asbests, and ultraviolet radiation from the sun. However, environmental causes of childhood cancer have been difficult to identify, partly because cancer in children is rare, and partly because it is difficult to determine what children might have been exposed to early in their development.

    Many studies have shown that exposure to ionizing radiation can damage DNA, which can lead to the development of childhood leukemia and possibly other cancers. For example, children and adolescents who were exposed to radiation from the World War II atomic bomb blasts had an elevated risk of leukemia, and children and adults who were exposed to radiation from accidents at nuclear power plants had an elevated risk for thyroid cancer. Children whose mothers had x-rays during pregnancy (that is, children who were exposed before birth) and children who were exposed after birth to diagnostic medical radiation from computed tomography scans also have an increased risk of some cancers.

    Studies of other possible environmental risk factors, including parental exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, prenatal exposure to pesticides, childhood exposure to common infectious agents, and living near a nuclear power plant, have so far produced mixed results. Whereas some studies have found associations between these factors and risk of some cancers in children, other studies have found no such associations (8,13-15). Higher risks of cancer have not been seen in children of patients treated for sporadic cancer (cancer not caused by an inherited mutation).

    •How do cancers in adolescents and young adults differ from those in younger children?

    Cancer occurs more frequently in adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 39 years than in younger children, although incidence in this group is still much lower than in older adults. According to NCI’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program (3), each year in 2001-2007 there were:

    •32.1 cancer diagnoses per 100,000 children ages 0 to 14 years

    •138.6 cancer diagnoses per 100,000 adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 39 years

    •2,053.8 cancer diagnoses per 100,000 people aged 40 years or older

    About 70,000 adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 39 years are diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year.

    Adolescents and young adults are often diagnosed with different types of cancer than either younger children or older adults. For example, adolescents and young adults are more likely than either younger children or older adults to be diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, melanoma, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, and sarcoma. However, the incidence of specific cancer types varies widely across the adolescent and young adult age continuum.

    The five-year overall survival rate among adolescents ages 15 to 19 years with cancer exceeded 80 percent in 2003-2007, similar to that among younger children. However, for specific diagnoses, survival is lower for 15- to 19-year-olds than for younger children. For example, the five-year survival rate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2003-2007 was 91 percent for children younger than 15 years compared with 78 percent for adolescents ages 15 to 19 years.

    Some evidence suggests that adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia may have better outcomes if they are treated with pediatric treatment regimens than if they receive adult treatment regimens. The improvement in 5-year survival rates for 15- to 19-year-olds with acute lymphoblastic leukemia—from approximately 50 percent in the early 1990s to 78 percent in 2003-2007—may reflect greater use of these pediatric treatment regimens. In 2000-2010, mortality rates for 15- to 19-year-olds declined at a slightly faster rate than those for younger children (by 2.6 percent per year versus 1.8 percent per year).

     

    •Source: www.cancer.gov

     

  • Cancer patient escapes from UBTH without paying bill

    A cancer patient, simply identified as Mrs Enoyin, has allegedly run away from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) without paying her medical bill.

    Her 15-year old son, Esosa Ukponayusi and his younger sibling, are also being held at the Ugbowo Police Station in Benin, the Edo State capital, for alleged “unruly behaviour and assault” on the whereabouts of their mother.

    Authorities of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) accused the children of rudeness to the workers.

    Mrs Enoyin, a widow and indigent patient, was receiving treatment at the UBTH.

    She was reported to have escaped from the hospital, following her inability to pay the balance of her medical bill.

    Mrs Enoyin reportedly sold bean cake (akara) to cater for her children.

    One of her breasts was cut off to prevent the spread of the cancer.

    The poor woman was allegedly detained for eight weeks at the hospital before her escape.

    It was learnt that her two children, who had spent the Christmas in detention, had been released.

    They were said to have gone to check their mother at the hospital but were shocked to learn that she was no longer there.

    The children were alleged to have assaulted UBTH’s security personnel, demanding the whereabouts of their mother.

    But a member of the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC), who spoke in confidence for security reasons, confirmed the incident.

    The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof Michael Ibadin, could not be reached for comments.

    But the source said Mrs Enoyin’s son was detained for allegedly assaulting the security personnel and not because of the woman’s inability to pay her medical bill.

    The source said: “The truth of the matter is that they were not detained because the woman escaped but because they beat up our security. Whenever people behave like this, we usually write up their medical bills. They actually arranged for her to escape because when our security insisted on conducting a search in their house, they resisted. This led to the fracas.”

    On the allegation that the patient was detained for eight weeks, the source added: “If you are on admission, you are expected to pay your bill before you leave. But because she had not done that, she was in the ward. So, it is not as if the police were watching her. What she would have done was to approach the Medical Social Service, where her matter would be looked into for help. But she decided to run away.”

    But other sources at the UBTH said the doctors and nurses responsible for the woman’s treatment would lose their salaries in lieu of her medical bill.

    The source said: “It is not unusual to have those responsible for escaped patients being surcharged and punished for dereliction of duty. That is why in most cases, we demand payment from patients before commencing treatment. It is not really our making. Rather, it is the kind of system we find ourselves.

    “It is even more painful when you stick out your neck for some patients who were rushed in on emergency. Some of them escape when they have recovered, on the pretext of trying to buy some items at the gate. It is really unfortunate.”

  • Cancer scourge…MicCom Foundation to the rescue

    Cancer scourge…MicCom Foundation to the rescue

    Statistics from the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) show that cancer accounts for more deaths worldwide than malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. It has killed many Nigerians this year. In 2012, it killed a leading light and wife of the founder of MicCom Cables and Wires, Prince Tunde Ponnle, who has now started a foundation to rescue people from the scourge, writes WALE AJETUNMOBI

    For decades, they were partners. They helped the poor, contributed to education and were active in church development. But on October 29, 2012, death parted them. Olufunke, an engineer and Princess, left Tunde, also an engineer, to face the challenges of life alone. No thanks to endometrial cancer, the Prince Tunde Ponnle, founder MicCom Cables and Wires and MicCom Gold and Resort, has had to live painfully in the last two years without a woman who contributed to making him what he is.

    The good news, however, is that Mrs Ponnle’s death made her husband learn more about cancer. He has realised that cancer kills more people worldwide than malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. He also found out that when detected early, cancer could be beaten. He equally discovered that the prevalence rate of cancer was on the increase among Nigerians. Worse still, he got to know that 10 people die from cancer ever hour and yet only a few African countries were sufficiently funding cancer control programmes. It also became known to him that no fewer than 80,000 Nigerians die from various types of cancer annually and this may increase given the World Health Organisation (WHO) projection that about 84 million people may die worldwide as a result of one form of cancer or the other in 2015.

    These discoveries made Ponnle to consult with his children and the result is the MicCom Cancer Foundation (MCCF). The Ibokun Road, Ada, Osun State-based foundation is out to help women fight breast cancer and also help men who may have prostate cancer. The foundation chose these two types of cancer because statistics show that they are the most prevalent among Nigerians.

    The centre has solid professional either as technical experts or full-time members of staff. One of the technical experts behind it is Professor A. Akinsola, a Professor of Internal Medicine & Consultant Nephrologist, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, who has wide based skills and capacity in programme coordination and administration.

    Also supporting the centre technically is Dr K.T. Ijadunola, who is an Associate Professor/Consultant Public Health Physician at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He has proven expertise in communication, health education, promotion and programme management and execution.

    There is also Dr. A.A Salako, who is an Associate Professor/Consultant Urologist at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.  A urologist with special interest in screening and management of benign prostatic enlargement and prostate cancers, he has also been involved in community surveys.

    The centre also has the technical backing of Dr. K.O Ajenifuja, a Senior Lecturer/Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecologist at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, who has ample experience in community screening and treatment of cervical cancer. He has been part of a similar programme in India

    Last but not the least is Dr O.A Esimai, an Associate Professor/Consultant Public Health Physician Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, who coordinates the well women clinic which provides awareness and screening services for breast and cervical cancer.

    The foundation runs a Cancer Preventive and Treatment Centre at its secretariat. The centre focuses on providing screening, counseling services and other support for treatment of early stage of cancer. The centre has the capacity to ensure adequate information management that will enable academic institutions conduct research into these cancers.

    “The data being generated will also be made available to the concerned government parastals either for evaluation and/or research purpose. The programme managers assisted by assistant programme manager and programmes assistant provide services. The foundation links up with secondary and tertiary health institutions in identified target communities in Nigeria (the OAUTHC Ile-Ife at inception) to facilitate access to management and quality care of patients with established lesions. There is a plan to support and invest in the capacity development of the institution will be in the form of equipment (Laboratory, Radiology) and capacity building in diagnosis and treatment and facilitation of treatment of early lesions through a cost sharing strategy between stakeholders,” the centre said.

     

     

  • Hope for cancer patients in Imo

    Hope for cancer patients in Imo

    The relief is coming on two fronts. One, more cancer-treatment centres are opening up closer home, helping patients to save money that would otherwise cover overseas flights and the like. Two, cost of treatment is cheaper, all things considered.

    The relief is huge in Imo where the state government has flagged off a fully-equipped cancer treatment facility called Ochiedike Dialysis Centre. It is the first in the state.

    The Centre named after the late father of the state Governor, Ochedike Okorocha, who died of kidney failure, was declared open by the Governor, Rochas Okorocha announced free tests and diagnosis for prostate and breast cancer for people over 40 years.

    The governor disclosed that the Centre is 100% owned by the state government but leased to Israeli medical experts to manage for 15 years.

    He noted that cancer has claimed the lives of many Nigerians but added that when detected at early stage, the disease can be handled and the patient’s life saved.

    The governor maintained that with the modern facilities in place and the medical team working at the Centre, people of the South-East and Nigerians at large will have no need of going to India again for treatments on kidney and cancer related ailments, adding, “I thank God for a dream come true. My vision to save the lives of numerous poor indigenes has become a reality.”

    He explained further  that the 27 new General Hospitals under construction will specialize in different fields of medicine when completed, priding that, “we are not only good in the education sector, we are also good in the health sector”.

    Earlier in her remarks, the Medical Director of the Centre, Mrs. Judith Glick recounted how her team led by Dr. Obi Njoku, former Commissioner for Health, presented the proposal for the Centre to the governor three months before the 2011 elections where he replied, “Why not, if I become the governor I will establish this diagnostic centre with you.”

    Dr. Glick said her team will develop and establish more medical units in the centre, just as she disclosed that investors are ready to establish a world class hospital in the State.

    ”It is time we stopped sending money out to other countries in search of medical attention; we are here for Imo people and Nigerians at large to remain strong, vibrant and healthy to enable everyone contribute in building a better Imo State and Nigeria,” she assured.

    In his speech, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Edward Ihejirika regretted the progressive increase in chronic diseases, despite efforts made by government through immunisation and improved hygiene.

    He explained that the Governor established the Centre to provide adequate medical care and services via the most efficient and experienced Dialysis Technicians and Nephrologists as well as reduce capital flight.

  • Cancer: Survivors relive ordeal at UCH’s anniversary

    Cancer: Survivors relive ordeal at UCH’s anniversary

    But for the timely intervention of medical experts from the University College Hospital (UCH), cancer would have claimed the lives of victims of the ailment.

    In recent years, the UCH has risen to the challenge of saving the lives of more than 200 cancer patients as it boasts medical experts that treat cancer-related diseases. In the circumstances, during the institution’s 57th anniversary, it brought together over 20 of its cancer survivors to celebrate them and for them to relive their ordeal.

    Addressing the happy survivors, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UCH, Prof. Temitope Alonge said: “As they share their stories, it will give hope to many Nigerians and encourage many more to seek medical attention on account of any suspicious growth or tumours or general feeling of unwell which might be the onset of some cancers.

    “Cancer is the general terminology ýfor a group of over 100 diseases characterised by abnormal uncontrolled multiplication of abnormal cells leading to a growth in most instances, except in cancers involving blood cells.

    “Global data revealed about 12.7 million cancer cases in 2008 with 1.7 million newly diagnosed breast cancer cases in the same year. Cancer rates have increased sharply in 2012 and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has predicted an increase in the years to come with new cases predicted to rise to 19.1 million by 2025 in line with the growth in world’s population and an increase in life expectancy.

    “Cancer is no respecter of persons, race, age, religion, tribe, class, marital status or economic powers and the diagnosis of cancer are often perceived as death sentence in Nigeria and among Nigerians. This is not the perception in developed countries. These cancer survivors are people who have had cancer ailment which have either been controlled or treated fully.”

    According to him, breast cancer remains the leading cause of deaths in women in less developed countries closely followed by cervical cancer occurring in 34.8 per 100,000 women.

    Prof. Alonge further stated that in the male folk, prostate cancer is the most devastating and commonest cause of deaths, even as it has been reported that about 14 Nigerian men are most likely to succumb to the disease.

    He said: “As with communicable diseases which are now targets of intense treatment after decades of research activities, cancer treatment now receives a multi-modal approach ýin most developing countries and this has resulted in a lot of clients surviving the ailments in those countries.”

    Prof. Alonge attributed the increase in cancer survivors to the establishment of cancer institutions in most countries, which provide comprehensive cancer treatment.

    “While India has over 120 comprehensive cancer institutions, Nigeria does not have a single one and this is probably the main impediment in providing comprehensive care for people who are down with cancers.

    “The story of survivors would have been different if the country has at least one comprehensive institute for canýcer. UCH has the largest number of manpower to accommodate a comprehensive cancer institute apart from the vast land space in the second acquisition of the hospital,” he said.

    Prof. Alonge stated that with a comprehensive cancer centre at UCH, Ibadan, cancer survivors will not only enjoy better quality of health care, but will also enjoy improved standard of living.

    To the survivors he said: “As the hospital celebrates its 57th anniversary, ýwe celebrate your courage and that of your relations who have stood by you as you underwent various treatment modalities in this hospital. You are very precious to this great institution and there is no better time to celebrate with you than the anniversary of the hospital.

    “This is a day of sharing, celebrating and rejoicing with our cancer survivors. We had an opportunity to celebrate our successes and recognise the tremendous courage and perseverance that cancer patients and survivors exhibit every day. It was truly an inspirational experience for us all.”ý

    Mrs Oluwatayo Omotoye, a middle-aged cancer survivor, thanked God and the management of the UCH for curing her of the deadly diseases.

    According to her, all hopes were lost when she was diagnosed of breast cancer, adding that hope returned when she started the treatment at the hospital.

    “Although some people who have had this same ailment did not make it, Nigerians do not need to travel abroad for cancer treatment, because UCH has the right medical expertise and equipment to treat cancer disease. Nigerians should go for regular medical check-ups for early detection of any form of diseases,” she said.

    Omotoye said government needs to establish cancer treatment centres in order to reduce the loads on hospitals.

    She noted that Nigerians should change their perception about cancer which they regard as deadly disease, stressing that ýshe is a living witness to cancer cure.

    Another survivor, who spoke in confidence, said when she was diagnosed of breast cancer in 2003, she taught the end had come.

    She said: “My baby was five years old then and I was crying because there is nobody to take good care of her.

    “I was wondering how I will survive it. Some people even advised me not to go to hospital because, they said, they will complicate my case. But I decided to come to UCH from Delta State where I live. Since 2003 when I began the treatment till date, I have been coming for follow-up treatment and check-up every year and I have been doing fine.”

    She urged government to provide more equipment and cancer treatment centres for proper treatment of the ailment, adding that it will go a long way to saving many lives.

    She urged cancer survivors in the country to ensure adequate follow-ups and medical check-ups.

    Mrs Aganwonyi Evelyn, another survivor, said she did not experience any pain when the ailment began in 2012, adding that she only noticed a lump inside her breast. It was when she went for a test that it was revealed that she had breast cancer.

    Mrs Evelyn, who said she lost two of her aunts to breast cancer, said her cancer was cured when she began receiving treatment at the UCH.

    She commended the hospital for their care, urging Nigerians with the same ailment not to lose hope but should seek urgent medical attention.

    The Head of Physiotherapy, UCH Dr Adefemi Afolabi stated that death cases arising from cancer are due to late access to medical care, even as he urged Nigerians to report immediately any strange symptom in the body.

     

  • A walk against breast cancer in Coal City

    A walk against breast cancer in Coal City

    Medical practitioners, Nollywood stars, other celebrities as well as students have mounted a campaign against the scourge of breast cancer in Enugu. Part of the campaign involved walking through the Coal City.

    It was to create renewed awareness on breast cancer, an initiative of the MTN Foundation (MTNF), the corporate social investment vehicle of MTN Nigeria.

    The MTNF Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign took place in Enugu amidst fanfare to commemorate the annual global awareness on the scourge. It is held every October.

    The Executive Secretary, MTNF, Ms. Nonny Ugboma, who was represented by Manager, Health Portfolio, MTNF, Mr. Victor Orie-Ononogbu, said that breast cancer is the number one cancer scourge afflicting people, and one in eight women is at risk of having breast cancer in their lifetime.

    ‘’This initiative, which underscores the essence of the Foundation to positively impact the lives of Nigerians, will be providing free breast cancer screening at MTN Mammography centers located at the, General Hospital, Marina, Lagos State; Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, Kogi State; Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, Yobe State; Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto State; University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu State and Specialist Teaching

    Hospital, Irrua, Edo State,’’ he said.

    As part of the awareness walk, students, medical practitioners and Nollywood celebrities like Cynthia Okereke, Chidinma and Chidiebere Aneke (the Aneke Twins), Stan Amandi,  participated in a road-show which kicked off from the old site of the University of Nigeria

    Teaching Hospital, Enugu and terminated at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. The walk will be replicated in beneficiary states which include Edo, Sokoto, Yola and Kogi, included sensitizing the public about breast cancer with medical practitioners and specialists on ground to

    enlighten people and encourage women to get screened at designated points.

    During the event, Dr. Georgie Affam, Founder Breast Care Foundation, said breast cancer kills one in every 25 Nigerian women and urged women, to get screened every year to prevent untimely death.

    “The incidence of breast cancer is one in 25, but because we don’t screen our population, it’s actually a death sentence. Here in Nigeria, most of the diagnoses are made when it is too late, thereby leading to several needless and painful deaths of our beloved mothers, sisters, aunts, friends and colleagues,” said Affam.

    She further demonstrated how breast self-examination is done to check for lumps, thickenings and nipple discharge.

    Medical practitioners were also available to perform clinical breast examination and offer free advisory services.

    The Nollywood celebrities present lauded the initiative whilst challenging other corporate bodies to do more in the fight against breast cancer.

    This comes as MTN Foundation is said to be currently executing various projects in 341 locations across the 36 states of Nigeria, including the FCT. MTN representatives further disclosed that the Foundation has spent over N10.5 billion on social projects in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment.

    Recently, the Foundation deployed state-of-the-art Mobile Clinics stocked with medical equipment and drugs to states across the six geopolitical zones. These mobile clinics have helped to reduce the incidence of maternal and child deaths, especially in rural communities.