Author’s details:

Name: Moshood, Abeeb Adekunle

School: Bayero University Kano.

Department: Pharmacy

Level: 300 level.

Email: almunawaroh2020@gmail.com

Phone number: +2349038742246.



Introduction


“Only old people get cancer and cancer is for the rich.” This is the statement coming out from a cancer survivor when she was first diagnosed. Even though it is a non-communicable disease. It caused about 10 million deaths in 2020, one of the most deadly diseases and causes one in six deaths worldwide.The definite causes of cancer are still debated among health workers and researchers around the world.But Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled/abnormal cell growth, invasion of healthy tissues, and spread to other organs. The pain that comes with cancer is terrible, not to mention the side effects of most of the treatments. Chemotherapy, Surgery, and radiotherapy are currently leading solutions for cancer patients.


Forms and signs of Cancer.


Cancer is a complex disease with hundreds of differentforms known today. It can affect almost any part of the body. Thus, they are classified based on the body part they affect. The table below indicates some common forms of cancer and organs affected. 

S/N Types Organ affected

1. Carcinoma Breast, lung, prostate.

2. Sarcoma Bone, cartilage, fat

3. Leukemia Bone marrow, lymphatic system

4. CNS cancer Brain, spinal cord

5. Melanoma  Skin

        It is worth noting that breast cancer is one of the most common cancers. It usually starts with a lump, which can be removed by lumpectomy. A biopsy can analyse the lump to determine whether it is Cancer. So, all breast cancer starts with a lump, but not all lump is cancer. Therefore, anybody who is feeling any kind of lump in her breast should seek medical assistance immediately.

   Furthermore, there are seven warning signals of cancer promoted by the American Cancer Society. This can be easily remembered with the mnemonic ”CAUTION”:

• Change in bowel or bladder habits.

• A sore that fails to heal.

• Unusual bleeding or discharge.

• Thickening or lump in the breast or other tissue

• Indigestion or swallowing difficulties.

• Obvious change in wart or mole.

• Nagging cough or hoarseness.

Attention: It becomes paramount for anybody who is having any of these to seek medical assistance before it gets out of hand in case of cancer. Early detection makes the battle easy to fight and conquer. 


Challenges facing the treatment of cancer.


In Nigeria, there are numerous challenges facing the treatment of cancer. These range from financial challenges because cancer treatment costs thousands to millions of naira. People who can avoid the payment still have to follow long queues due to Insufficient amenities and oncologists that will attend to them. In some situations, side effects such as vomiting, general body weakness, and weak immune system make them prone to other infectious diseases. All these challenges can tire the caregiver and probably give up or stigma the patient. In addition, some patient may lose their entire hair due to therapy received or lose one breast in case of breast cancer; with this, they feel embarrassed. Given this, continuing with everyday life after surviving is another challenge.


Risk factors of Cancer.

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As said earlier, the actual causes of cancers are not known. However, out of the findings, they were able to account for some risk factors contributing to this deadly disease. Drinking alcohol, smoking, and Adultery are all forms of lifestyle that are prone to increase the risk for cancer. Cancer is hereditary, and some mutations may trigger its evolution. Exposure to carcinogenic substances, such as asbestos, dioxin in some pesticides, and excess exposure to UV rays from the sun are linked to cancer. Some biological agents, such as Human papillomavirus (HPV), are linked to cervical and anal cancer. Helicobacter pylori is also linked to stomach cancer. All these are not significant causes but put people at high risk.


Preventive measure of Cancer.

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Prevention, they say, is better than cure. The cost of surgery, not to talk about the diabolical nature of the disease, is scary. At this juncture, it becomes necessity to give more awareness about preventive measure about cancer. As cancer can strike anyone regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. Where there’s no surest way to eliminate the risk entirely; adopting a proactive approach to health can significantly reduce the chances of developing this disease. Here are some key preventive measures: 


• Lifestyle modifications: every individual is encouraged to prioritize a diet rich in nutrients such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Limit intake of processed meats, red meat, and sugary drinks. Shun taking alcohol and quit smoking. Several types of cancer are linked to alcohol consumption and people who are Smoking are at high risk of having lung cancer. 


• Regular exercise: aims at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days of the week. Engage in activities like walking, swimming, or cycling. Striving for a balanced diet and regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight. 


• Regular medical checkups and cancer screening will enhance early detection. Examples of check-ups include Mammograms for breast cancer, colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, a papa test, an HPV test for cervical cancer and Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests for prostate cancer, et al. 


• Vaccines such as HPV vaccines and hepatitis B vaccine reduces the risk of liver cancer. It is advisable to get vaccinated. 


• Limit exposure to carcinogen substances such as radiation and chemicals, as some can cause mutations that can trigger cancer risk. 


• Avoiding chronic stress can boost the immune system and reduce cancer risk.


Conclusion.

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In conclusion, cancer is an atrocious disease that is killing the short and long, old and young people across the globe. A lot of efforts are putting in place to find a better solution to this disease apart from the one available. There are lots of challenges that are still facing the treatment of this disease in this nation. For that reason, this article is creating awareness about the risk factors causing the disease. In addition, forewarned is forearmed, prevention may not eliminate the risk of cancer entirely, but it significantly increases of avoiding it.


References.


• World Health Organization: WHO. (2022, February 3). Cancer. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer?hl=en-US.

• Information and Resources about Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin. (n.d.). American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/?hl=en-US.

• Cancer – Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20370588.