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Tag: treatable

  • Early detection of cancer in children treatable

    Early detection of cancer in children treatable

    Gwarimpa General Hospital, Abuja Chief Consultant Paediatrician Dr Nkechi Anunobi, has said early detection of cancer in children is treatable.

    Anunobi said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday.

    She said: “Children also suffer cancer, childhood cancer is treatable if detected early; cancer is not only for the adult, it also occurs in some infant.

    “There are different types of cancer in children but the most common is the leukaemia, cancer of the blood. The cause of cancer in children is usually not the same ones that cause cancer in adults, such as smoking or exposure to environmental toxins.

    “In most cases, however, childhood cancers come from random mutations in the genes of growing cells. Because these changes happen randomly and unpredictably, there is no effective way to prevent them,’’ she said.

    Anunobi said leukaemia which are cancers of the bone marrow and blood, are the most common in childhood.

    She added that leukemias can cause bone and joint pain, fatigue, weakness, pale skin, bleeding or bruising, fever, weight loss and other symptoms.

    According to her, a few environmental factors, such as radiation exposure, have been linked with some types of childhood cancers.

    She said some studies have also suggested that some parental exposures smoking could increase a child’s risk of certain cancers.

     

  • ‘80 % of blindness preventable, treatable’

    About  80 percent of cases of blindness could be avoided, treated or prevented, experts at the MeCure Eye Centre, Mecure Health Care Limited, Oshodi, Lagos, have said.

    According to them, Nigerians should be able to identify symptoms of eye diseases and report them immediately.

    The doctors stated this at the free eye test organised by the centre as part of activities marking the World Sight Day.

    Dr Adegboyega Alabi, a Consultant Ophthalmologist with the centre, said ignorance has led most people to total blindness while some were being ostracised for an ailment that could be treated.

    Alabi said: ‘’We discovered that a lot of people are not aware that there is a proper and standard treatment for cataract, for instance. We see people being blind from cataract for several years and they are just kept in one room somewhere, ostracised from the community. Sometimes when they come to us, we always wonder at their late presentation and they will be telling us they have been afflicted with it for five years.After thorough examination and they have the appropriate treatment and we tell them they will start seeing again, they are always excited.

    “That means they wasted four to five years of their life because that period that they were blind from cataract they were ostracised from  the society and some of them when they are treated it will be difficult for them to get reintegrated into the society because they have been deprived of that opportunity.  ’ said Alabi.

    Alabi, however, added that 90 percent of the blind are in the developing world, such as Nigeria and Africa at large, which brings the importance of celebrating the world sight day to create awareness and providing free eye test for the general public.

    “From our own environment, we discovered that 90 percent of blind people are in developing world; of course Africa and Nigeria are inclusive and that brings to fore the importance of celebrating this occasion in this part of the world and by MeCure. That is why we decided this year to celebrate the World Sight Day by organising the free eye programme for the general public,” Dr Alabi explained.

    Head of Strategy and Commercial Service MeCure Medical Centre, Dr Adekunle Megbuwawon, advised that people should endeavour to go for eye checks yearly

    He said: “One of the things MeCure is doing right now is preventive health check, our body is like the ice berg and by the time you see the ice berg that destroys  titanic, it looks like a small stone but underneath is a huge rock. Our body is the same way, when things are going on in the body most time, we don’t know because they are not visible but by the time it will show as a symptom at that point it has gone very far. So, one of the things we advocate is promotion of preventive healthc are. You need to do annual health screening. In fact, we have made the annual health screening so cheap that the layman on the street can do about 60 investigations at a very low cost. We are even doing raffle draw so that people can come and do it,” said  Megbuwawon, added.

  • ‘Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable’

    ‘Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable’

    Colorectal cancer is the fifth killer-cancer after breast, cervical, lung and prostate cancers. Yet many do not know about it. A widow, Eniola Salu Akintunde, who lost her husband of 15 years to the disease, is doing everything to create awareness about it. She is pushing for the establishiment of colon cancer screening centres in the six geo-political zones before 2030, reports OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA

    Do you experience irregular bowel movement, unexplained stomach pain, diarrhoea and you are above 40?  Experts say it is time to go for colorectal cancer screening. Yes, this was the consensus at the launch of colorectal cancer screening centre/awareness campaign at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel  and Towers, Ikeja, on Tuesday.

    Colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum.

    The colon and the rectum are parts of the large intestine, which is the lower part of the body’s digestive system. During digestion, food moves through the stomach and small intestine into the colon. The colon absorbs water and nutrients from the food and stores waste matter (stool). Stool moves from the colon into the rectum before it leaves the body.

    According to a consultant, Dr. O.’Tayo Lalude, who  practised in the United Kingdom for over 30 years and is now with the Reddington Hospital in Lagos, most colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). And unlike in the past when it was assumed that constipation was the leading cause, modern medicine has revealed that diarrhoea is the leading cause of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer, according to him, often begins as a growth called a polyp, which may form on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. Some polyps become cancerous over time. Finding and removing polyps can prevent colorectal cancer; it takes about 10 years for colorectal cancer to develop.

    Dr. Lalude, who lost a sister to colorectal cance, said another name for it is bowel cancer. Colorectal cancer, he said, is the fifth most common type of cancer in men and women in the Nigeria. “Deaths from colorectal cancer can be decreased with the use of colonoscopies and fecal occult blood tests, which check for blood in the stool. Hence prevention, early detection and,s finally, prompt intervention through surgical treatment are the gold standard management of bowel cancer,” said Dr Lalude.

    The Medical Director/CEO of Reddington Hospital Group, Dr. Adeyemi Onabowale, said cases of colorectal cancer in the country were a growing phenomenon as it is progressing by  the day. “What makes it painful is that it is an asymptomatic disease, meaning it has no symptoms or signs. But it can be detected early if a person observes a change in his bowel habit, “Gold standard is prevention. If screened very early, it can be cured. Health screening is important, especially for those that have it in their family or those above 40 years. Coroscopy through CT scan, stool for analysis, or invasive screening where the doctor looks from the back into the rectum are the steps one can take as preventive or early detection measures.”

    Dr. Onabowale, who represented the Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, at the event, said ignorance is a disease. It is better to go for screening to know the condition or situation of things, and address it medically if there is such an option, rather than wishing same away or praying about same until the condition deteriorates. “It is good to pray but necessary to seek medical attention as well,” said Dr. Onabowale.

    Quoting the Bible, Niola Cancer Care Foundation President, Akinyele Okeremi, said: “My people perish for lack of knowledge. Gone should be the era when people display ignorance despite their status – poor or rich. It is time for Nigerians to be aware of causes of diseases and medical interventions available to treat them because what you don’t know hurts. It is highly expensive to detect or treat colorectal cancer. If it goes untreated it can surely relapse which is, most times, fatal. Beware”.

    Mrs. Eniola Salu Akintunde, the organiser of the event, who lost her spouse of 15 years to colorectal cancer, said her late husband had it in 2011 but it was not detected until 2013 when it was at an advanced stage, “and all effort to treat it, including flying him to India where he died were futile. That experience inspired me to start this awareness campaign with the vision to create unmatched awareness for colorectal cancer and set up colon cancer screening centres in the six geopolitical zones of the Federation before 2030 starting with Lagos, so as to eliminate it before it grows into something we cannot handle”.

    She said her foundation was partnering  Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba to do fecal occult blood test. This can also be done at the 57 flagship primary healthcare centres in Lagos.

    “I want to sound it again that colon cancer is asymptomatic- one may have it without knowing, a change in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, and a change in the consistency of stool or narrowing of the stool or stool becomes smaller in size lasting more than four to six weeks, rectal bleeding or blood in stool, persistent abdominal discomfort such as cramps, gas or pain, or a feeling that bowel doesn’t empty completely you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so, weakness or fatigue  or unexplained weight loss, it is good to go diagnosis,” Eniola said.

     

  • ‘Colon cancer is treatable, preventable’

    ‘Colon cancer is treatable, preventable’

    An expert, Mrs Eniola Salu, has said colon cancer is not only treatable, it is also preventable.

    Mrs Salau, Chairperson, Eniola Cancer Care Foundation, spoke  during a visit by officials of organisation to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja to present gifts to patients, especially those receiving treatment for cancer.

    She said her experience with her late husband inspired her to join the advocacy for early screening of the disease to fight colon cancer, adding that many people with the disease do not experience any symptoms in its early stages.

    “When symptoms appear, they’ll likely vary, depending on the cancer’s size and location in your large intestine. If you notice any symptoms of colon cancer, such as blood in your stool or a persistent change in bowel habits, make an appointment with your doctor. Talk to your doctor about when you should begin screening for colon cancer. Guidelines recommend that colon cancer screenings begin at the age of 50. Your doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier screening if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of the disease,” she said.

    Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women.

    Explaining why the event held during the yuletide, Mrs Salu said most patients feel lonely at this period because the majority of people stay off hospital premises to celebrate, “and the hospital becomes drab’’.

    ‘’So, I am here with my team to throw some light in the spirit of the season. I lost my husband on a Christmas day to colon cancer. Nobody was there to comfort me because most loved ones and well wishers have travelled or were involved in other yuletide activities. Psychologically I was down. My doing this is to let the patients have a feel of the season,” she said.

    Mrs Salu advocated more attention  for colon cancer by the government, especially in  enlightenment and funding, saying: “Breast and cervical cancers are not the only cancers in existence; colon cancer is also ravaging people and it is treatable if detected early.’’

  • ‘Heart diseases are preventable, treatable’

    To prevent cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), it is necessary to undergo regular blood pressure checks, experts have said.

    They spoke at the re-launch of one of Pfizers Nigeria’s  leading cardiovascular brands, a molecule comprising amlodipine besylate to mark the company’s 25 years of commitment to cardiovascular health.

    CVDs are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and they include: Coronary heart disease – disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle; cerebrovascular disease – disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain; peripheral arterial disease – disease of the blood vessels supplying the arms and legs; rheumatic heart disease – damage to the heart muscle and heart valves from rheumatic fever, caused by streptococcal bacteria; congenital heart disease – malformations of heart structure existing at birth; and deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism – blood clots in the leg veins, which can dislodge and move to the heart and lungs.

    An Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Lagos and a consultant cardiologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr Amam Mbakwem said most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing behavioural risk factors, such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and obesity, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol using population-wide strategies.

    “People with cardiovascular disease or who are at high cardiovascular risks (due to the presence of one or more risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia or already established disease) need early detection and management using counselling and medicines, as appropriate,” said Mbakwem, who is President of Nigeria Cardiac Society.

    Mbakwem described heart attacks and strokes as acute events mainly caused by a blockage that prevents blood from flowing to the heart or brain.

    “The most common reason for this is a build-up of fatty deposits on the inner walls of the blood vessels that supply the heart or brain. Strokes can also be caused by bleeding from a blood vessel in the brain or from blood clots. The cause of heart attacks and strokes are usually the presence of a combination of risk factors, such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and obesity, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol, hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidaemia,” she said.

    The professor added: “For instance, the rate of hypertension in the country has moved from 11 percent to 20 percent. And now, we are talking of 40 percent. This is not too good because the condition can damage the heart, or the brain, leading to stroke, heart failure, systemic or pulmonary failure. But if we can get the hypertension controlled through medicine, a lot of damages can be averted.”

    The Medical Director and Chairman of the Country Medical Council (CMC), Pfizer Worldwide Bio-Pharmaceutical Businesses, Dr Kodjo Soroh, said to understand CVDs the most important behavioural risk factors of heart disease and stroke should be known. These, he said, were unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol.

    Dr Soroh said: “The effects of behavioural risk factors may show up in individuals as raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose, raised blood lipids, and overweight and obesity. These ‘intermediate risks factors’ can be measured in primary care facilities and indicate an increased risk of developing a heart attack, stroke, heart failure and other complications. Cessation of tobacco use, reduction of salt in the diet, consuming fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity and avoiding harmful use of alcohol have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, drug treatment of diabetes, hypertension and high blood lipids may be necessary to reduce cardiovascular risk and prevent heart attacks and strokes. Health policies that create conducive environments for making healthy choices affordable and available are essential for motivating people to adopt and sustain healthy behaviour.”

    He said there were also some underlying determinants of CVDs or “the causes of the causes”. Other determinants of CVDs include poverty, stress and hereditary factors, Soroh said, noting that often, there are no symptoms of the underlying disease of the blood vessels. “A heart attack or stroke may be the first warning of underlying disease,” he said.

    The Marketing Director, Nigeria, Ghana and East Africa Pfizer Worldwide Biopharmaceutical Businesses, Winston Ailemoh, said his company prevents and treats the disease.

    “And that is why we partner specialists in CVDs, cardiologists, physicians and consultants in internal medicine.”

    The firm’s Corporate Affairs/Health and Value Director, Margaret Olele said: “The re-launch is also an opportunity to engage decision makers and strengthen our relationship in the medical community. We will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to increase awareness on cardiovascular diseases.”

  • ‘Prostate, breast cancers are preventable, treatable’

    ‘Prostate, breast cancers are preventable, treatable’

    Are you a man and over 40? If yes, you must go for  prostate cancer screening now. Also, women, from their teen are expected to engage in self-breast examination monthly and do mammogram once a year,  to detect cancer early.

    A consultant pathologist and lecturer at the Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Dr. Soyemi Sunday gave the advice at the Public Lecture/Annual Dinner by Ivory League of Progress, a social club based in Lagos.

    Soyemi said prostate cancer, or carcinoma of the prostate, is the development of cancer in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. It is the number one killer of black men.

    “Most prostate cancers are slow growing; however, some grow relatively quickly. The cancer cells may spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes. It may initially cause no symptoms, but in later stages it can lead to difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, or pain in the pelvis, back or when urinating. An ailment, benign prostatic hyperplasia, may produce similar symptoms.

    Other late symptoms may include tiredness due to low level of red blood cells,” he said.

    He listed factors that increase the risk of prostate cancer to include older age, a family history of the disease, and race.

    Soyemi said: “About 99 percent of cases occur in those over the age of 50. Having a first-degree relative with the disease increases the risk between two to third fold. But if detected early, it can be treated. Then people can live with and die with it not die from it.”

    Soyemi suggested that screening should start as ageing sets in.

    “From age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years. Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65). Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age). After this discussion, those men who want to be screened should be tested with the prostate-specific antigen blood test. Digital rectal exam may also be done as a part of screening. If, after this discussion, a man is unable to decide if testing is right for him, the screening decision can be made by the health care provider, who should take into account the patient’s general health preferences and values.Assuming no prostate cancer is found as a result of screening, the time between future screenings depends on the results of the prostate-specific antigen blood test.”

    He continued: “Men who choose to be tested who have a prostate-specific antigen of less than 2.5 ng/mL may only need to be retested every two years. Screening should be done yearly for men whose PSA level is 2.5 ng/mL or higher. Because prostate cancer often grows slowly, men without symptoms of prostate cancer who do not have a 10-year life expectancy should not be offered testing since they are not likely to benefit. Overall health status, and not age alone, is important when making decisions about screening.’

    For women, Soyemi said think pink, live green should be the mantra, “Think pink, Live green is a way of living that aims to help women reduce their risk of breast cancer or the disease coming back in survivors. It’s also a way for women living with advanced disease to make the healthiest choices possible. Good healthy lifestyle including exercise is recommended.”

    Soyemi explained that the term “breast cancer” refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. Usually breast cancer either begins in the cells of the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands, or the ducts, the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple. Less commonly, breast cancer can begin in the stromal tissues, which include the fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast. Over time, cancer cells can invade nearby healthy breast tissue and make their way into the underarm lymph nodes, small organs that filter out foreign substances in the body. If cancer cells get into the lymph nodes, they then have a pathway into other parts of the body. The breast cancer’s stage refers to how far the cancer cells have spread beyond the original tumor.”

    He advised that though studies have found that women have a 12 percent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, “your individual risk may be higher or lower than that. Individual risk is affected by many different factors, such as family history, reproductive history, lifestyle, environment, and others. Self breast examination or mammogram screening is good way to be very sure in early detection.”

    The reasons? He explained, “Initially, breast cancer may not cause any symptoms. A lump may be too small for you to feel or to cause any unusual changes you can notice on your own. Often, an abnormal area turns up on a screening mammogram (X-ray of the breast), which leads to further testing. In some cases, however, the first sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast that you or your doctor can feel. A lump that is painless, hard, and has uneven edges is more likely to be cancer. But sometimes cancers can be tender, soft, and rounded. So it’s important to have anything unusual checked by your doctor.”

    He said any of the following unusual changes in the breast can be a symptom of breast cancer; swelling of all or part of the breast, skin irritation or dimpling, breast pain, nipple pain or the nipple turning inward, redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin, a nipple discharge other than breast milk or a lump in the underarm area.

    “These changes also can be signs of less serious conditions that are not cancerous, such as an infection or a cyst. It’s important to get any breast changes checked out promptly by a doctor,’ he said.