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Monday, June 10, 2013

Counting our cancers




What is the most prevalent cancer in Nigeria? 

This question has remained largely unanswered in our country and continent as a whole. It is pertinent we answer this question if we are serious about reducing the cancer burden in our country.

What is cancer? To the uninformed and uninitiated - it is the same disease arising from different parts of the body, to the informed and uninitiated - it is a disease characterized by the aberrant growth of cells resident in different organs that outlives the initiating stimuli, while to the informed and initiated - cancers are a diverse group of diseases sharing a common phenotype of uncontrolled growth. Research has shown that there exists marked heterogeneity amongst: the same type cancer arising from different populations of people, and in the same cancer arising in a single individual. Simply put, breast cancers seen in Indian women may differ from those seen in Nigerian ladies. Furthermore there may exist different cancers types in a single cancer in a single individual. This complex observation means that In the future cancers will be classified and defined based on its molecular profiles rather than anatomy. Treatment will thus be offered based on these molecular changes (the so-called “individualization of cancer therapy” or “personalized therapy” which has been recently publicized). The recent sequencing of the entire human genome means that this is achievable. The cost and or skills required for this process remains unknown but it will definitely be expensive and out of reach of developing countries like Nigeria.

Throat Cancer : in response to the Micheal Douglas statement



I decided to compile a few FAQs in response to the Micheal Douglas statement to possibly prevent a mass hysteria. I will try to be simplistic with my language, I said try oh if you still no get abeg no vex no be me create the terms na learn I just learn am.

What is Throat cancer?

Throat cancer or Head and Neck cancer (HNC) as it is commonly referred as is any cancer arising from the structures in the head and neck region. Mostly they arise from the coverings (epithelium) of the oral and respiratory tract. For those who were paying attention to primary school biology know that although then nose and mouth start separately they join briefly to form a common cavity the finally separate into two tubes leading the stomach and the chest (lungs) respectively. But if you still no remember or no go school no wahala I will list out the structures that can be affected. The nose, the back of the nose (nasopharynx), mouth, back of the mouth (oropharynx), the common passage (pharynx), and the voice box (larynx).

Wetin dey cause this throat cancer sef?

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Letter to five Benin Doctors.



""Goodafternoon,

hope you ok...Dr (no names please), Although I'm soooo very disappointed in the medical system in nigeria..especially benin,I still think ur my friend and will be honest with you. I went from gyneacologist to gyno in edo state..some acted more knowledgable than the others. 
The Old doctors were the worst. Dismissing any suspicions I may have had. I bless God for giving me knowledge and heart of a curious woman-i would have ended like many women...still hoping. I'm glad I took my situation in my own hands.


Friday, June 7, 2013

WHO issues guidance on emerging double threat of childhood obesity and undernutrition in low- and middle-income countries


 Many low- and middle-income countries are neglecting overweight and obesity as major health threats, with policies in place to tackle undernutrition, but lack policies to halt the growing burden of diseases due to the rise of overweight, and obesity, according to new information released by WHO today.
More than 75% of overweight children live in developing countries with the prevalence in Africa almost doubling in the last 20 years. Obese children are more likely to be obese as adults, with an increased risk of diabetes and other diseases.

WHO's Essential Nutrition Actions

To help countries close these policy gaps, WHO has issued a consolidated package of 24 Essential Nutrition Actions, which outline the most effective ways countries can improve their peoples’ nutritional status by preventing both undernutrition and overweight. There are many factors during pregnancy and infancy that can affect an older child’s and an adult’s weight.

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