Health News: Nigerians have been advised to go for periodic medical
screening, especially for colon cancer, which is said to be a massive burden on
the country, as it is common among people above 40.
The President, Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology
in Nigeria President, Professor Musa Borodo, gave this warning at a press briefing
commemorating the 10th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the
association in Ado Ekiti.
Borodo warned that diseases such as colorectal cancer, liver
cancer, helicobacter pyloris and other infections that occur in the
gastrointestinal tract, are usually not easy to detect when looking out for
signs and symptoms.
And when the symptoms are obvious they are often too late to
treat. According to him, about 10 percent of people in Nigeria are suffering
from Hepatitis B – a viral infection – which he warned could lead to cancer, if
not properly treated.
“This (Hepatitis B) is something that can be prevented, if
you don’t treat it, it could become cancer. So, it is a huge problem.” Borodo
said it was chosen to create awareness on early detection of cancer, prevention
and cure.
Borodo lamented that two cases of cancer at end stage are reported
daily in the treatment centre. He advised people to take natural foods, avoid
refined sugar, eat well, exercise regularly, drink clean water, visit hospitals
for routine checkup and stay away from smoking to avoid cancer.
Stating some of the cause of cancer, the Chairman, Local
Organising Committee for the conference, Dr. Deji Ajayi, cautioned against
taking burnt/roasted boli (plantain), burnt suya
and refined drinks as they could cause cancer.
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