What You Need To Know About Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide and about 10million people die from cancer every year, with low and middle income countries, Nigeria inclusive, accounting for over 70 per cent of cancer death, consultant radiation and clinical oncologist, Oncology Department, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Dr Temitope Olatunji-Agunbiade, has disclosed.

Olatunji-Agunbiade however said over 40 per cent of cancer related deaths could be prevented because they are associated with modifiable risk factors like smoking and alcohol intake, physical inactivity and poor diet, adding that about 30 per cent of all cancer related death can be prevented through routine screening, early detection and treatment.

She lamented that about half of the world’s population lack access to the full range of essential health services and many are denied the basic care despite the numerous advancement in cancer diagnosis, prevention and treatment. „People encounter barriers in relation to income, level of education and geographical location. They also encounter discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, age, disability and lifestyle. These group of people are more likely to have increased exposure to a host of risk factors,“ the consultant stated.

Olatunji-Agunbiade called on critical stakeholders to close the care gap. To do that we must first of all be aware of these gaps which exist in our society and also allow for equity in access to health care irrespective of the status.“We must ensure that ethnic group, regardless of their geographical location have equal access to optimal cancer care. The government also need to make policies that will enable equity in access to care. Non-governmental organisations can also help with patient navigation as well as creating awareness to achieve early cancer detection and treatment even in rural communities.

“These goals can be achieved by educating the public about cancer prevention; Equipping the healthcare professionals with skills and knowledge; Strengthening primary health care delivered in communities and integrating vaccination and screening at these sites; Increasing resources dedicated to cancer care and research; Implementing national cancer control plan for our country Nigeria and getting buy in from the state governments for effective implementation.

“As individuals, we must raise our voices and pressurize the government to critically appraise the root cause of these inequalities, while as a people we must tackle cancer stigma and discrimination fiercely,“ she added.