The most common forms of cancer ravaging the region include breast, cervix, prostate, bowel, colon, rectum and liver.
Regional Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Ms. Matshidiso Moeti, has noted that the number of cancer cases in Africa has doubled in the past 20 years.
Data from the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO) shows that 124,815 new cases of cancer were recorded in Nigeria in 2020 alone and over 78,000 cancer-related deaths.
Ms.Moeti said the most common forms of cancer ravaging the region include breast, cervix, prostate, bowel, colon, rectum and liver.
In a message to commemorate the World Cancer Day (WCD), Ms Moeti said new cancer cases in the region increased from 338,000 cases reported in 2002 to almost 846,000 cases in 2020.
“Over the past 20 years, new cancer cases have more than doubled in the African Region, from 338,000 cases reported in 2002 to almost 846,000 cases in 2020,” Ms Moeti said.
“The risk factors include older age and family history, use of tobacco and alcohol, a diet high in sugar, salt and fat, physical inactivity, being overweight, and exposure to specific chemicals, among others,” she said.
The World Cancer Day, celebrated on February 4 every year, is an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and is marked by countries all around the world.
The day aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness about cancer and putting pressure on governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease.
The theme for this year’s WCD is “I am and I will,” marking the end point of a three-year campaign which sought to reduce fear, increase understanding and change behaviours and attitudes around cancer.
Segun Fatuase with Agency reports