There is a "CAN" in CANcer... 

Recent illnesses have confirmed most dramatically, one of the basic concept in the development of diseases. Which is the fact that, intrinsic and extrinsic factors play a fundamental role in maintaining a steady state of health, also implying that our ability to modify nature is limited, a reality we can’t shy away from, as we tend to believe.
Human creations have continually threatened the health of itself. Whenever we expand the realm of steady state, the limitations of nature are stretched and apparently, disease ensues.

Muhammad Ali met a boy named Jimmy with a skull cap on in the hospital, Ali asked, why do you have that skull cap on...? The boy said “I have cancer and I lost all my hair” Ali said I’m going to beat George foreman and you’re going to beat cancer …Later on, Ali went back to see the kid and he looked worse off…He said boy; I beat George and you’re going to beat cancer...The boy replied; No, I'm going to meet God and tell him I met you.
Jimmy wanted to fight Cancer, though he couldn’t. Reach out to someone with cancer today! In loving memory of every cancer patient, family member and friend who have lost the battle with cancer and the ones who continue to conquer it as we mark another World cancer day; we are stronger together.

Interest in cancer has increasingly grown during the past decades even as the struggle against infectious diseases continues. This autonomous purposeless growth rarely gives warning signs until it’s too late; therefore, everyday that it takes to stay alive, destined to find our way, we need to manipulate factors within our reach so as to curb this faceless monster that is a challenge not just in developed countries, but also developing countries, amongst the rich and poor, including the young and old.

Cancer is considered a disease process rather than a single event and include a large group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. The rate of growth and spread is variable; while some cancers tend to grow and spread very quickly, others grow more slowly.

Recent cancer trends suggest the burden of the disease is under-reported in Nigeria and most parts of Africa. Similar to reports from other parts of the world, it is slightly higher in females.
In University of Benin Teaching Hospital, reviewed 2258 cases of malignancies occurring in both males and females in a 20-year period observed a predominance of cancers in females (64%); with breast and cervical cancer being the first and second most common cancers, respectively for women (Okobia and Aligbe).
The six most common cancers in Nigeria in descending order of frequency are Breast, cervix, prostate, colorectal, liver cancer and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The causes of most cancers are not known however different factors has been associated - both internal and external factors.

People are unaware or turn a blind eye to the risk factors and live with the overwhelming consequences afterwards.  These factors, though not limited to, include: Inherited gene mutations,  Tobacco use, Alcohol use, Dietary factors including insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, Overweight and obesity, Physical inactivity, Chronic infections from Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and some types of Human papilloma virus (HPV), environmental and occupational risks including radiations.
Symptoms are varied depending on site of cancer and stage alongside other factors. Examples include persistent cough, blood-streaked sputum, chest pain in lungs cancer; breast lump, thickening/dimpling of breast skin, breast pain/distortion in Breast cancer; weak or interrupted urine flow, difficulty starting or stopping urination in Prostate cancer; Vaginal bleeding, Malodourous Vaginal discharge in Cervical cancer. These symptoms could however be seen in other benign diseases and of course, could also be absent in the presence of cancer.

Though researchers have made incredible advances in many cancers with some treatments slightly extending survival, prevention and early detection are indispensable in cancer management. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the prospect for survival and this entails: Regular self-exams(breast), Regular medical check ups especially when there is family history, routine Screening which aims to identify individuals with an abnormality suggestive of a specific cancer or pre-cancer and referring them promptly for diagnosis and treatment.

Preventive measures include: Tobacco control, Promotion of healthy diet and physical activity, Preventing harmful use of alcohol, Reduction of exposure and protection against infectious agents associated with cancer (including vaccination against Hepatitis B Virus and Human Papilloma Virus), Reduction of exposure and protective actions against carcinogens in the environment and workplace, including ionizing and non-ionizing radiations.

‘’Cancer is so limited… It cannot cripple love, It cannot shatter hope, It cannot corrode faith, It cannot destroy peace, It cannot kill friendship, It cannot suppress memories, It cannot silence'
.                  Don’t give it wings.

This article written by Dr Olaniyi olushola, a registrar in the department of histopathology, Irrua specialist teaching hospital and is inspired by the association's activities in marking the 2017 #WorldCancerDay

#ArdIsth says, #WeCanICan help defeat #cancer by reaching out to our loved ones in our immediate communities with correct and useful information. #ActOfUnity

Spread the word, share this post on your social media networks. Likes and comments are lovely way to show support for #PeopleLivingWithCancer

For more information, contact the secretariat of the association of resident doctors  at Irrua specialist teaching hospital, Irrua, Edo state, Nigeria.

Email : ard_isth@yahoo.com