The Professor of Surgery, Surgical Oncology department, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Segun Alatise said the institution performed 55 cancer surgeries in one month.
Alatise made the disclosure in an interview on Monday in Ile-Ife, Osun.
He explained that 55 cancer surgeries were performed by the department in January.
The professor of surgery disclosed that the patients consisted of those diagnosed with breast cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Alatise stated that about 100 patients were still attending the clinic while undergoing chemotherapy, and waiting for surgery in the facility.
“The truth is that we see a lot of cancers and the number is increasing daily, for we have more patients than some others, because we are a referral centre for some of these cancer treatment like pancreatic and liver cancer,” he stressed.
Alatise identified the common causes of cancer to include transition from an agrarian lifestyle to a sedentary lifestyle.
“Our fathers used to walk to their farms among other exercises, but nowadays, people sit under air conditioners at home, in their cars, as well as their offices.
“Physical activity has reduced to a significant level, alcohol intake is on the rise, a lot of people becomes obese, taking fatty foods, cigarette intake has contributed a lot too.
“Even those that carry high risks, if they do a lot of exercise, eat balanced diet, lot of fruits, vegetables, reduce a lot of meat to fish and milk that can produce vitamin D, and desist from smoking cigarette, and alcohol; these can help them from developing cancer,” he emphasised.
According to him, cancer treatment is cheaper, when it is diagnosed early.
“Unfortunately, 90 per cent of cancer treatment comes very late, when the treatment is not worth rewarding,” he added.
The surgeon enjoined everyone to always go for cancer screening as it allows for early detection.
He also appealed to government on the need to sensitise on early diagnosis of cancer and assisting patients on subsidising their treatment and drugs, saying “only 10 to 20 per cent can afford the treatment.”
“We also need a lot of training for all health workers – doctors, nurses, community extension workers, on early detection of cancer,” he said.
NAN
