Greetings to our warm and welcoming people of Rivers State. This is another episode of Rivethics on Radio, our character-building weekend show. I welcome all our listeners to this episode. Please remember that we are what we eat. Therefore we must eat healthy to stay healthy. Our discussion today is in commemoration of World Cancer Day which came up on February 4th, with the Theme: “I am and I will”.
World Cancer Day is an international day to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. This year, Organisations and individuals around the world are invited to unite to raise awareness about cancer and work to make it a global health priority. In 2018, it was estimated that over 9 million people worldwide died from cancer. And 30% to 50% of these deaths were preventable. Let’s look at some statistics:
• Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and was responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Globally, about 1 in 6 deaths is due to cancer.
• Approximately 70% of deaths from cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries (like Nigeria).
• Around one third of deaths from cancer are due to the 5 leading behavioral and dietary risks: high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol use.
• Tobacco use is the most important risk factor for cancer and is responsible for approximately 22% of cancer deaths.
• Late-stage presentation and inaccessible diagnosis and treatment are common. In 2017, only 26% of low-income countries (like Nigeria) reported having pathology services generally available in the public sector. More than 90% of high-income countries reported treatment services were available compared to less than 30% of low-income countries.
• The economic impact of cancer is significant and is increasing. The total annual economic cost of cancer in 2010 was estimated at approximately US$ 1.16 trillion.
• Only 1 in 5 low- and middle-income countries have the necessary data to drive cancer policy.
Experts say that up to 3.7 million lives could be saved each year by implementing resource appropriate strategies for prevention, early detection and treatment of Cancer. Over 30% of all cancers can be prevented by reducing your exposure to risk factors such as tobacco, obesity, physical inactivity, infections, alcohol, environmental pollution, occupational carcinogens and radiation. There are a number of cancers which can be identified early which helps to improve the chances of successful treatment outcomes, often at lower costs and with fewer (or less significant) side effects for patients. Are you able to do something to reduce the cancer scourge in your community? Will you do something about it?
Our guest speaker for today, a seasoned medical expert, will throw more light on the subject. She is Dr. Vetty Agala, a distinguished Public Health practitioner and the President-elect of the Nigerian Medical Women Association, Rivers State Chapter. Please enjoy the episode.
Our good people of Rivers State, remember to always let your manners speak for you.
God bless and keep you and your families and God bless Rivers State.
From Her Excellency,
Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike,
The Wife of His Excellency,
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON. GSSRS. POS (Africa).
You can also listen to and download the Pidgin English version of this Episode below