Cancer kills more people globally than malaria, HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) combined, and impacts on low to middle- income countries like Nigeria.
Accordingly, the 2012 data of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, stipulates 102,079 new cancer cases every year and 71,571 cancer deaths annually in Nigeria.
This was revealed at a cancer seminar held at the Lakeshore Cancer Center(LCC), Victoria Island, Lagos, where the LCC Medical Director, Dr Chummy Nwogu, pointed out that it was probably a marked under-estimation as cancer registration is really poor in Nigeria.
“Over 70 per cent of patients die despite the fact that we do not capture all of them – over 20 percent of people with cancer are still not captured. This is because many patients usually seek alternative treatments, traditional healers or prayer houses. These numbers are predicted to rise dramatically over the next few years,” Nwogu said.
He explained that Nigerians no longer need to travel to India and other foreign countries for the treatment of cancer as a world-class cancer treatment centre like Lakeshore has opened in the country.
According to him, “the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one third of cancers can be prevented, one third cured and one third effectively palliated. Hence, the great need for education, screening and early detection.”
Also, he added that LCC is committed to providing cancer patients with tools for early detection, diagnosis and consultation with excellent oncologists without having to travel away from loved ones at home. The centre also launched the Foundation for Cancer Care in West Africa (FCCWA) to provide cancer care for the less privileged in Nigeria and across West Africa.
“The treatment for cancer is capital intensive and long term, so most individuals cannot sustain the cost. The foundation is therefore focused on fostering collaboration between government agencies, corporate organisations, various medical facilities and advocacy groups. Philanthropic donations are always welcome and much appreciated for the care of cancer in West Africa,” Nwogu said.
Also speaking at the event, Associate Professor of Oncology, Dr. Tracey O’Connor said that early screening and detection are indispensable in the prevention and management of cancer.
“Three cancers – breast, cervical and prostate claim the highest number of lives in Nigeria. But all of them, if brought to medical attention early in their development are highly curable. So, basically testing and early detection can hugely reduce fatalities,” she stated.
O’Connor counselled Nigerians to go for screening. She recommended Human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine for young girls of 11 and 12 years.
She said: “The vaccine is to prevent the human papilloma virus which causes most cervical cancers.”
Source#THISDAY#
