CANCER IN AFRICA: THE WORK AHEAD.

          

“Even with the recently concluded World's Breast cancer awareness month, majority of  Africans are still unaware of cancer as a killer disease. Lifestyles, habits and day to day choices among other factors are major determinants of the probability of developing cancer in an individual's lifetime.”

Cervical cancer is the commonest form of cancer among African women, other common forms include; breast, prostrate, lung, colorectal and stomach cancer. Polygamy, early sex and child marriage among many other factors have been found to be high risk factors for cervical cancer in African women.

Hormonal levels have also been linked to breast cancer, with pregnancy, menstrual cycle, time of menopause etc. as key determinants of hormonal level in women.

Other factors that cause cancer are advancing age, gender, race, improper use of alcohol, unhealthy diet, tobacco and physical inactivity. Major forms of treatment for cancer include; the use of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

Early detection of cancer is very important as once cancer metastasizes it becomes very hard to treat. Since most African countries do not have access to proper health facilities and timely treatment is inaccessible, the mortality rate for cancer in African countries is alarming.

In developing African communities alcohol is still being abused, tobacco, weed, morphine and morphine derivatives among other drugs are sold illegally and this has been linked to the occurrence of cancer.

There is the need for more enlightenment on the subject matter among Africans. Proper awareness concerning cancer should be advocated for.  
Even with the just concluded breast Cancer awareness month, an average African woman still does not know what breast Cancer is all about and where she stands as regards this disease. Also, there is the need for governments to organize cancer screening programs.

Cancer medications should be subsidized by governments and other partner organizations in the health sector. Currently, they are still sold at exorbitant rates. It should be noted that cancer treatments are costly and therefore subsidy schemes that can help relieve the burden of the populace will go a long way in reducing the mortality rate by increasing compliance and early detection. 

Certain groups of people should be given due consideration: young children, unemployed youths, the aged/elderly, disabled people among others. If possible, cancer treatment should be made free for them. 

Proper allocation of funds to the health sector can help to boost this scheme. Plans should be made to put in place adequate equipment for cancer screening and treatment. Subsidized loans can also be granted to under payed/ underemployed people. Better insurance schemes may be developed and made available to everyone. NGOs could also develop plans to help combat this high mortality/morbidity rates from cancer through fund raisers, sponsorships and soliciting for assistance for cancer patients.

The food and drug regulation authorities should also help to create and maintain proper standards in food and drug producing companies. Improper processing and packaging of foods are also predisposing factors to cancer. Quality control and assurance should be monitored in drug producing firms. Drugs when not properly processed often turn into dangerous chemicals and toxins that build up in the human body to manifest into cancer in the years to come.

Physical inactivity has also been linked to cancer. Proper sanitation, improvement and development of eco-friendly facilities like parks, gymnasiums, and stadiums to help increase day-to-day activities and reduce sedentary lifestyles should also be advocated for. 

Tangible investments in community development by both the public and private sector and members of the civil society will go a long way in creating healthier and cancer free communities.  

Written By: Jimoh Waliu