By Catherine Egwuom
A Consultant General Surgeon, Dr Clement Odion, has urged Nigerians to seek medical attention when they notice warning signs of colorectal cancer.
Odion, who works at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday.
He said risk factors included diets high in processed and red meat, low intake of fruits and vegetables, physical inactivity, overweight, obesity, tobacco use and alcohol consumption.
“Family history and genetics, previous colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps are also risk factors, while the risk increases markedly after age 50.”
He said warning signs included changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, ongoing abdominal cramps, pain or bloating, unexplained weight loss and persistent fatigue.
“Feeling that the bowel does not empty completely is also a warning sign, while Nigerians aged 45 years and above should seek medical attention, even without symptoms.”
Odion, also an Honorary Lecturer, Department of Surgery, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, said screening methods included colonoscopy and stool-based tests, including FIT and FOBT.
“The methods are very effective, and they include colonoscopy and stool-based tests (Faecal immunochemical test and Faecal occult blood test).”
According to him, colonoscopy is the gold standard screening tool done every 10 years, while stool-based tests were done yearly.
He said preliminary results from an ongoing hospital survey showed cost of screening was a barrier for 47 per cent of respondents, while 27 per cent feared results.
He said 13 per cent feared pain or discomfort during screening, while 12 per cent lacked knowledge of where to go for screening.
Odion said other barriers included lack of awareness, absence of a national screening programme and limited availability of screening methods and specialists.
“Nigeria has begun taking steps to improve early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer, but the current efforts are not enough to significantly reduce deaths.”
Odion said NICE-SCAN, a government initiative targeting five cancers, included colorectal cancer, while the Cancer Health Fund currently supports breast, prostate and cervical cancers.
He further called for a national screening programme, expanded specialist and diagnostic capacity, reduced costs, increased public awareness and stronger primary healthcare services.
He also called for improved treatment infrastructure, better data through a National Cancer Registry and community mobilisation involving NGOs and faith-based organisations. (NAN)
Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola
Comments