By IJEOMA UKAZU
Increased awareness and a good understanding of cancer in the early stage of diagnosis can help to implement strategies to improve the management process and overall health outcomes of patients.
According to the World Health Organisation, WHO, many cancers can be cured if detected early, stating that, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths.
WHO added that breast, lung, colon and rectum and prostate cancers are the most common type of cancers globally.
Speaking during the World Cancer Day organised by the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Chief Medical Director, Professor Adetokunbo Fabamwo, decried poor awareness about the disease in the country and illiteracy rate impacting the increasing cases of cancer among Nigerians, adding that high preponderance of rural dwellers is also fuelling the disease.
The Chief Medical Director said, “On this day when the whole world marks World Cancer Day, I daresay it is a good opportunity for all of us in the health provision space to reflect on the huge cancer burden in Nigeria.
“Clearly, the high ratio of rural dwellers, as well as the high illiteracy rate across the nation, accentuates the crippling consequences of cancer. Our citizens do not know the symptoms and signs of cancers, they do not know that early detection is possible; they do not even know where to go for consultations and treatment.”
He said this is coupled with the fact that nationwide; cancer treatment centers are few and far between leading to situations where seekers of radiotherapy treatment, for instance, join long queues before accessing treatment. Some of them die while waiting.
Fabamwo noted that LASUTH advocates intensive community engagement in all its ramifications. “Regarding cancers, in particular, we will urge health authorities and other stakeholders to adequately promote community cancer awareness and screening programmes,” he said.
He calls on well-meaning high net worth Nigerians to partner with teaching hospitals like LASUTH to provide radiotherapy services.