Every 4th of February is World Cancer Day. An International Day set aside to raise awareness for cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. In 2018, World Health Organization (WHO) recorded that 41,000 Nigerians die of cancer annually.
Today,World Cancer Day 2020 is themed ‘I Am and I Will’. An empowering call-to-action, urging for personal commitment and represents the power of individual action taken now to impact the future.
In time past, we could say that many Nigerians were unaware of this illness due to the inability to accurately identify and diagnose it despite being its growing popularity. Though associations such as, Nigerian Cancer Society established in 1968, Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, founded by Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and many other foundations are still functional till date to educate it’s country- man.
Cancer is a disease that is caused by mutation to the DNA within cells. It is characterized by the development of abnormal cell that divides uncontrollably and the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. Some symptoms and general signs of cancer are fatigue, difficulty swallowing, lump of area of thickening under the skin, sores that won’t heal and many more.
Presently, technology has given rise to ease of access for the young and old in developed areas of the country, through the use of internet and social media, creating awareness of cancer and other related diseases as they have been brought to the limelight.
There are equipment used in the treatment of cancer such as a GE™ CT simulator, that provides optimal accuracy in delineating the tumor site. Also, medical linear accelerator (LINAC), uses high energy x-rays or electrons to adjust to a tumor’s shape and destroy cancer cells while sparing, normal tissues around them. Many more have been developed for the elimination of this disease though they may not be affordable to many.
With the help of tech, individuals are now knowledgeable and aware of cancer but I hope this leaves a lasting impact by taking conscious steps on prevention thereby, reducing the rate of mortality by cancer.