Treatment without prevention is simply unsustainable – Bill Gates
The diagnosis of cancer is something we all fear, but the good news is that there are steps you can take to lower your risk of developing cancer. Simple changes in lifestyle and diet, and finding pre-cancerous conditions early through regular screening can make a huge difference. Cancer is when abnormal cells divide uncontrollably affecting normal cells and spread to one or many parts of the body.
Cancer is not a single disease but a group of related diseases. There are more than 100 hundred types of cancers depending on origin, for example, liver cancer starts from the liver.
Statistics for 2013 from the Cancer Association of Namibia list the six most common cancers in Namibia as skin (570), breast (293 women and 7 men), prostate (334), cervical (264), Kaposi Sarcoma (260) and colorectal carcinomas (131).
These contribute to more than 95 per cent of Namibian cancers diagnosed every year.
Usually it is not possible to know exactly why one person develops cancer and another does not but research has shown that certain factors, called risk factors, may increase a person’s chances. Although some of these risk factors like growing older cannot be avoided, others like using tobacco can be. Although 5 per cent of cancers have inherited genes, most cancer changes occur during a person’s lifetime.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) determines that up to a third of all cancer cases can be prevented mainly by following the tips below. Cancer prevention refers to measures taken to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Avoid tobacco
Tobacco is estimated to cause 22 per cent of cancer deaths per year. WHO links smoking to cancers of the lung, bladder, cervix, oesophagus, stomach and kidney as well as leukaemia. Chewing tobacco has also been linked to cancer of the mouth and pancreas. Second-hand smoke, which refers to exposure to others who are smoking at work, in the car, at home, at a bar, carries a 20 per cent risk!
Avoiding smoking is one of the most important cancer prevention strategies. If you need help quitting tobacco, ask your doctor about strategies and products that can help you quit smoking.
Reduce sun exposure
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Namibia and also one of the most preventable.
Protect yourself by avoiding midday sun, staying in shade, covering up, and use sunscreen at least 40SPF. If sunbathing apply sunscreen 30 minutes before and during sunbathing at least every two hours. Children can safely use sunscreen from the age of six months.
Visit the nearest clinic or your doctor for any abnormal skin lump.
Get immunized for Hepatitis B and HPV
Hepatitis B increases the risk of liver cancer but it is easily preventable by vaccinations. Every child should be vaccinated from the age of six weeks if they follow the vaccine schedule in their yellow health cards. Namibia has a high prevalence rate of hepatitis B, and all should have their vaccine status checked and if need be, booster doses given. If already Hepatitis B positive your doctor can do regular screening tests for liver cancer.
HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical, vulva, anal and squamous cell cancers of the head and neck. CDC recommends early vaccination starting from the age of 10 for both males and females. Two types of HPV vaccines are currently available in Namibia.
Eat a healthy diet and get moving!!
Research has shown that obesity (BMI of 30 or higher) increases a person’s risk of getting colorectal, breast and kidney cancer. Consumption of excessive red and preserved meat may be associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer while a diet rich in fibre, that is, fruits, whole grain, and vegetables has a protective effect against many forms of cancer.
Strive to get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic exercise as this might lower your risk of breast and colon cancer.
Reduce alcohol consumption
Studies around the world link drinking excessive amounts of alcohol regularly (more than two glasses of wine per day) to oral cancer, oesophageal, breast and colorectal cancers. The risk from heavy drinking worsens if the person is also a heavy smoker. Male risk of cancer due to alcohol is higher than female risk.
Environmental risks
Pollution of air and water have been linked to cancer. Exposure to second-hand smoke has been linked to lung cancer, while drinking water containing arsenic has been linked to skin, bladder and lung cancers.
Treat infections early
According to WHO, infectious agents are responsible for almost 22 per cent of cancers. Viral Hepatitis A, B and C cause liver cancer, HPV and genital herpes simplex cause cervical cancers. Helicobacter pylori, responsible for gastritis and stomach ulcers, increases the risk of stomach cancer.
Bilharzia increases the risk of bladder cancer.
These common infections should be managed early to reduce cancer risk.
Get regular screenings
Cancer screening means detecting and treating cancer or pre-cancerous state (that is, conditions that may become cancer) before it becomes symptomatic.
A positive screening result does not mean one has cancer, rather a final biopsy needs to be done to confirm cancer.
Regular screening is recommended for the following:
Cervical cancer
The Pap test is recommended for all women who are sexually active every year, according to the Namibian treatment guidelines. Yearly Pap smear is recommended for those at high risk, especially HIV positive women. The HPV vaccination does not replace regular Pap screens.
Breast cancer
Weekly self-examination is encouraged. Clinical breast exam should be part of health exam for women in their 20s and 30s. Annual mammogram from the age of 40. If breast cancer runs in the family or young members of the family have being affected then early screening is recommended.
Colorectal cancer
Annual colposcopy for people over 50 is recommended.
Other screening tests are available for skin, prostate, liver and many different cancers. For more information, feel free to visit your local doctor or nearest clinic.
In the next few weeks I will tackle some of the common cancers individually. Feel free to contact me on the above number or to suggest medical conditions we can talk about.
*Dr Brian Chaka can be contacted on 065 251373 email bchaka2000@yahoo.co.uk